international accredited certification bodies equivalent ... · 889.71, 889.80-88, 889.90-97) to...
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© International Accredited Certification Bodies Equivalent European Union Organic Production & Processing Standard for Third Countries
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V18, Oct 2018
International Accredited Certification Bodies
Equivalent European Union Organic Production &
Processing Standard for Third Countries
version 18 (revised October 2018)
© International Accredited Certification Bodies Equivalent European Union Organic Production & Processing Standard for Third Countries
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INTRODUCTION
This Equivalent European Union Organic Production & Processing Standard for Third Countries was
commissioned by, and compiled for, the Accredited Certification Bodies, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA.
It has been adapted from the European Regulations (EC) 834/2007 and the more detailed
implementing rules in (EC) 889/2008 to provide a base standard for the Accredited Certification
Bodies and their certified organic operators (producers, processors and traders) working outside the
European Union.
This standard combines, rationalises and simplifies (EC) 834/2007 and the more detailed
implementing rules in (EC) 889/2008 and adapts them for use outside the legal framework of the
European Union, thus providing production rules to be used by operators for gaining certification
equivalent to that described in (EC) 834/2007.
The two original Regulations include many requirements of the control system relevant to the control
bodies and many administrative requirements relevant to government authorities and the European
Commission itself. These have been removed (834.22, 834.27, 834.29-42, 889.48-56, 889.64-65, 889.67,
889.71, 889.80-88, 889.90-97) to leave only the requirements that need to be applied by operators. The
Accredited Certification Bodies using this standard will be required to demonstrate that they apply
equivalent control measures to those required within the EU.
Rules for organic aquaculture animal and seaweed production have been added, as of September
2010. These rules are based on the EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 710/2009 and 834/2007. The
standards for aquaculture animal (834.15) and seaweed (834.13) have also been re-inserted to update
this document.
The standards for yeast production and wine production have been added, as of November 2012.
These rules are based on the EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 1254/2008 and No 203/2012,
respectively. The standards for importers (889.34) are excluded as they do not apply in the context of
countries outside of the EU.
Where specific clauses of the original Regulations make reference to institutions, services or technical
requirements, either not available, not relevant, or inappropriate to countries outside of the EU, an
alternative measure is applied which is intended to be equivalent.
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As the Standard is developed directly from the language of the two European Regulations, the
Standard is mostly compliant with those Regulations. Where previously noted alternative measures
are applied, the requirement may be considered equivalent.
The Standard is accompanied by the following Annexes:
ANNEX I Fertilisers, soil conditioners and nutrients referred to in 6.4.4;
ANNEX II Plant protection products referred to in 6.5.1
ANNEX III Minimum surface areas indoors and outdoors and other characteristics of housing in
the different species and types of production referred to in 6.7.12;
ANNEX IV Maximum number of animals per hectare referred to in 6.7.6;
ANNEX V Feed materials referred to in 6.7.20;
ANNEX VI Feed additives and certain substances used as in animal nutrition;
ANNEX VII Products for cleaning and disinfection;
ANNEX VIII Certain products and substances for use in production of processed organic food,
including yeast and yeast products food additives and processing aids;
Annex VIIIa Products and substances for use or addition in organic products of the wine sector;
ANNEX IX Definitions, updated with animal aquaculture and seaweed definitions;
ANNEX X Specific Organic Aquaculture production rules;
Compiled for the Accredited Certification Bodies, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
By James A. Riddle and Joyce E Ford
Organic Independents, LLP
Winona, MN, USA
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1 Aim
This Standard provides the basis for the sustainable
development of organic production while ensuring the effective
functioning of the market, guaranteeing fair competition,
ensuring consumer confidence and protecting consumer
interests.
It establishes common objectives and principles to support the
rules set out under this Standard concerning:
1. all stages of production, preparation and distribution of
organic products and their control; and
2. the use of indications referring to organic production in
labelling and advertising.
834-Article 1
C
2 Scope
2.1 This Standard shall apply to the following products originating
from agriculture where such products are placed on the EU
market or are intended to be placed on the EU market:
1. live or unprocessed agricultural products;
2. processed agricultural products for use as food;
3. feed;
4. aquaculture animal and seaweed products; and
5. vegetative propagating material and seeds for cultivation.
The products of hunting and fishing of wild animals shall not be
considered as organic production.
834-Article 1
E
2.2 This Standard shall apply to any operator involved in activities,
at any stage of production, preparation and distribution, relating
to the products set out in paragraph 2.1.
However, mass catering operations shall not be subject to this
Standard.
834-Article 1
C
2.3 This Standard shall be applied within the framework of relevant
national or international law concerning such products, such as
provisions governing the production, preparation, marketing,
labelling and control, including legislation on foodstuffs and
animal nutrition.
834-Article 1
E
3 Objectives for organic production
The following objectives and principles in paragraphs 3 and 4
are not standards in themselves but set the framework for the
application of all subsequent requirements and shall be used as
points of reference when questions of interpretation arise.
Organic production shall pursue the following general
objectives:
1. establish a sustainable management system for agriculture
that:
(a) respects nature's systems and cycles and sustains and
enhances the health of soil, water, plants and animals and the
balance between them;
(b) contributes to a high level of biological diversity;
834-Article 3
E
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(c) makes responsible use of energy and the natural resources,
such as water, soil, organic matter and air;
(d) respects high animal welfare standards and in particular
meets animals' species-specific behavioural needs;
2. aim at producing products of high quality;
3. aim at producing a wide variety of foods and other
agricultural products that respond to consumers' demand for
goods produced by the use of processes that do not harm the
environment, human health, plant health or animal health and
welfare.
4 Principles of organic production
4.1 Overall principles
Organic production shall be based on the following principles:
1. the appropriate design and management of biological
processes based on ecological systems using natural resources
which are internal to the system by methods that:
(a) use living organisms and mechanical production methods;
(b) practice land-related crop cultivation and livestock
production or practice aquaculture which complies with the
principle of sustainable exploitation of fisheries;
(c) exclude the use of GMOs and products produced from or by
GMOs with the exception of veterinary medicinal products;
(d) are based on risk assessment, and the use of precautionary
and preventive measures, when appropriate;
2. the restriction of the use of external inputs. Where external
inputs are required or the appropriate management practices
and methods referred to in paragraph (a) do not exist, these
shall be limited to:
(a) inputs from organic production;
(b) natural or naturally-derived substances;
(c) low solubility mineral fertilisers;
3. the strict limitation of the use of chemically synthesised inputs
to exceptional cases these being:
(a) where the appropriate management practices do not exist;
and
(b) the external inputs referred to in paragraph (b) are not
available on the market; or
(c) where the use of external inputs referred to in paragraph (b)
contributes to unacceptable environmental impacts;
4. the adaptation, where necessary, and within the framework of
this Standard, of the rules of organic production taking account
of sanitary status, regional differences in climate and local
conditions, stages of development, and specific husbandry
practices.
834-Article 4
E
4.2 Specific principles applicable to farming
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In addition to the overall principles set out in paragraph 4.1,
organic farming shall be based on the following specific
principles:
(a) the maintenance and enhancement of soil life and natural soil
fertility, soil stability and soil biodiversity preventing and
combating soil compaction and soil erosion, and the nourishing
of plants primarily through the soil ecosystem;
(b) the minimisation of the use of non-renewable resources and
off-farm inputs;
(c) the recycling of wastes and by-products of plant and animal
origin as inputs in plant and livestock production;
(d) taking account of the local or regional ecological balance
when taking production decisions;
(e) the maintenance of animal health by encouraging the natural
immunological defence of the animal, as well as the selection of
appropriate breeds and husbandry practices;
(f) the maintenance of plant health by preventative measures,
such as the choice of appropriate species and varieties resistant
to pests and diseases, appropriate crop rotations, mechanical
and physical methods and the protection of natural enemies of
pests;
(g) the practice of site-adapted and land-related livestock
production;
(h) the observance of a high level of animal welfare respecting
species-specific needs;
(i) the production of products of organic livestock from
animals that have been raised on organic holdings since birth or
hatching and throughout their life;
(j) the choice of breeds having regard to the capacity of
animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and their
resistance to disease or health problems;
(k) the feeding of livestock with organic feed composed of
agricultural ingredients from organic farming and of natural
non-agricultural substances;
(l) the application of animal husbandry practices, which
enhance the immune system and strengthen the natural defence
against diseases, in particular including regular exercise and
access to open air areas and pastureland where appropriate;
(m) the exclusion of rearing artificially induced polyploid
animals; and
(n) the maintenance of the biodiversity of natural aquatic
ecosystems, the continuing health of the aquatic environment
and the quality of surrounding aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems.
834-Article 5
E
4.3 Specific principles applicable to processing of organic food
In addition to the overall principles set out in paragraph 4.1, the
production of processed organic food shall be based on the
following specific principles:
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1. the production of organic food from organic agricultural
ingredients, except where an ingredient is not available on the
market in organic form;
2. the restriction of the use of food additives, of non organic
ingredients with mainly technological and sensory functions
and of micronutrients and processing aids, so that they are used
to a minimum extent and only in case of essential technological
need or for particular nutritional purposes;
3. the exclusion of substances and processing methods that
might be misleading regarding the true nature of the product;
4. the processing of food with care, preferably with the use of
biological, mechanical and physical methods.
834-Article 6 E
4.4 Specific principles applicable to processing of organic feed
In addition to the overall principles set out in paragraph 4.1, the
production of processed organic feed shall be based on the
following specific principles:
1. the production of organic feed from organic feed materials,
except where a feed material is not available on the market in
organic form;
2. the restriction of the use of feed additives and processing aids
to a minimum extent and only in case of essential technological
or zootechnical needs or for particular nutritional purposes;
3. the exclusion of substances and processing methods that
might be misleading as to the true nature of the product;
4. the processing of feed with care, preferably with the use of
biological, mechanical and physical methods.
834-Article 7
E
4.5 Specific principles applicable to organic aquaculture animal
and seaweed production
1. The aquatic growing area for organic seaweed and
aquaculture animals is of utmost importance for growing both
safe and high quality products with minimal impact on the
aquatic environment.
2. An environmental assessment covering best adaptation to the
surrounding environment and mitigation of possible negative
effects is required as established in sections 11.2 and 11.8.
3. The specific soluble medium of water requires organic and
non-organic aquaculture production units to be adequately
separated.
4. The cultivation of seaweed can have a beneficial effect in some
respects such as nutrient removal and can facilitate polyculture
systems. Care needs to be taken not to over-harvest wild
seaweed beds to permit their regeneration and to ensure that
production does not cause a significant impact on the state of the
aquatic environment.
5. Organic aquaculture animal production should ensure that
species-specific needs of animals are met. In this regard
husbandry practices, management systems and containment
710-Principles
( 4)-(24)
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systems should satisfy the welfare needs of the animals.
Production systems and stocking densities shall meet
requirements in section 11.12, 11.13 and in Annex X.
6 The overall principles for organic production shall be based on
an appropriate design and management of biological processes
and ecological systems using natural resources which are
internal to the system by methods that, in particular for
aquaculture, comply with the principle of sustainable
exploitation of fisheries. The biodiversity of natural aquatic
ecosystems has to be maintained in organic aquaculture
production. These principles are otherwise based on risk
assessment, and the use of precautionary and preventive
measures, when appropriate. To this end, it should be clarified
that artificial induction of the reproduction of aquaculture
animals through hormones and hormones derivatives is
incompatible with the concept of organic production and
consumer perception of organic aquaculture products and that
such substances should therefore not be used in organic
aquaculture.
7. Feed for aquaculture animals should meet the nutritional
needs and is also required to meet the health requirement that
feed coming from a species is not fed to the same species.
8. The raw materials for feeding organic carnivorous fish and
crustaceans should be from either organic sources or be derived
from sustainable exploitation of fisheries.
9. For the purpose of organic aquaculture animal and seaweed
production, the use of certain non-organic feed materials, feed
additives and processing aids is allowed under well-defined
conditions only if they have been authorised for use in organic
production and listed in Annex V and Annex VI;
10. The cultivation of filter feeding bivalve molluscs can have a
beneficial effect on coastal water quality via the removal of
nutrients and their use can also facilitate polyculture systems.
Specific rules for molluscs are outlined in section 11.20.
11. Animal health management should be primarily based on
the prevention of disease.
12. Certain substances for cleaning, antifouling treatment, and
disinfection of production equipment and facilities should be
allowed only if they have been authorised for use in organic
production under Annex VII, section 2. In the presence of live
animals the use of disinfection substances requires particular
care and measures to ensure that the application is not harmful.
14. Precaution should be taken during the handling and
transport of live fish so as to meet their physiological needs.
15. The conversion to the organic production method requires
the adaptation of all means to the organic method for a given
period. Depending on the previous production systems, specific
conversion periods are established in accordance with section
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6.2.3 and 6.2.6.
5 Production Rules
5.1 Compliance with standards
Operators shall comply with the production rules set out in the
relevant sections 5-10. In order to demonstrate compliance they
are obliged to maintain the relevant records described in section
10.
834-Article 8
E
5.2 Adherence to the control system
1. Any operator who produces, prepares, stores, or exports from
a third country organic products or who places such products
on the market shall, prior to placing on the market of any
products as organic or in conversion to organic:
(a) submit her/his undertaking to a recognised control body.
2. Where an operator contracts out any of the activities to a third
party, that operator shall nonetheless be subject to the
requirements referred to in point (a), and the subcontracted
activities shall be subject to the control system.
834-Article 28
E
3. Where an operator runs several crop production units in the
same area the units producing non-organic crops, together with
storage premises for farm input products shall also be subject to
the general and the specific requirements in paragraphs 5.3,5.4,
5.9.2, 10.2 and the control measures defined in Title IV, Chapter
1 of Regulation (EC) 889/2008..
889-Article 73
E
4. Where an operator manages several livestock production
units, the units which produce non-organic livestock or livestock
products shall also be subject to these Standards and the control
system.
889-Article 79 CE
5. When an operator manages several aquaculture animal
production units, the units which produce non-organic
aquaculture animals shall also be subject to these Standards and
the control system.
889-Article
79d
CE
5.3 Minimum control requirements
1. When the control arrangements are first implemented, the
operator shall draw up and subsequently maintain:
(a) a full description of the unit and/or premises and/or activity;
(b) all the practical measures to be taken at the level of the unit
and/or premises and/or activity to ensure compliance with the
organic production rules;
(c) the precautionary measures to be taken in order to reduce the
risk of contamination by unauthorised products or substances
and the cleaning measures to be taken in storage places and
throughout the operator's production chain.
(d) the specific characteristics of the production method used,
where the operator intends to request documentary evidence.
Where appropriate, the description and measures provided for
889-Article 63
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in the first subparagraph may be part of a quality system as set
up by the operator.
2. The description and the measures referred to in paragraph 1
shall be contained in a declaration, signed by the responsible
operator. In addition, this declaration shall include an
undertaking by the operator:
(a) to perform the operations in accordance with the organic
production rules;
(b) to accept, in the event of infringement or irregularities, the
enforcement of the measures of the organic production rules;
(c) to undertake to inform in writing the buyers of the product in
order to ensure that the indications referring to the organic
production method are removed from this production.
The operator shall countersign the control body’s inspection
report that identifies possible deficiencies and non-compliances
with these Standards and take the necessary corrective
measures.
(d) to accept, in cases where the operator and/or the
subcontractors of that operator are checked by different control
authorities or control bodies in accordance with this Standard or
other system equivalent or compliant to Regulation (EC)
834/2007 and Regulation (EC) 889/2008, the exchange of
information between those authorities or bodies.
(e) to accept, in cases where the operator and/or the
subcontractors of that operator change their control authority or
control body, the transmission of their control files to the
subsequent control authority or control body.
(f) to accept, in cases where the operator withdraws from the
control system, to inform without delay the relevant competent
authority and control authority or control body.
(g) to accept, in cases where the operator withdraws from the
control system, that the control file is kept for a period of at least
five years.
(h) to accept to inform the relevant control authority or
authorities or control body or bodies without delay of any
irregularity or infringement affecting the organic status of their
product or organic products received from other operators or
subcontractors.
3. With regard to access to facilities the operator shall:
a) give the control authority or control body, for control
purposes, access to all parts of the unit and all
premises, as well as to the accounts and relevant supporting
documents;
b) provide the control authority or control body with any
information reasonably necessary for the purposes
of the control;
c) submit, when requested by the control authority or control
889-Article 67
C
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body, the results of its own quality assurance programmes.
In addition to the requirements set out in paragraph 1, importers
and first consignees shall submit the
information on imported consignments.
5.4 Specific control requirements for plants and plant products
from farm production or collection-control arrangements
1. The full description of the unit referred to in 5.3.1.a shall:
(a) be drawn up even where the operator limits his activity to
the collection of wild plants;
(b) indicate the storage and production premises and land
parcels and/or collection areas and, where applicable, premises
where certain processing and/or packaging operations take
place;
(c) specify the date of the last application on the parcels and/or
collection areas concerned of products, the use of which is not
compatible with the organic production rules.
2. In case of collection of wild plants, the practical measures
referred to in 5.3.1.b shall include any guarantees given by third
parties which the operator can provide to ensure that those
areas have not, for a period of at least three years before the
collection, received treatment with products other than those
authorised for use in organic production listed in Annexes I and
II.
3. Each year, before the date indicated by the control authority
or control body, the operator shall notify the control authority or
control body of its schedule of production of crop products,
giving a breakdown by parcel.
889-Article 70
889 Article 71
E
C
5.5 Control arrangements for seaweed
When the control system applying specifically to seaweed is first
implemented, the full description of the site referred to in 5.3.1.a
shall include:
1. a full description of the installations on land and at sea;
2. the environmental assessment as outlined in 11.2.3 where
applicable;
3. the sustainable management plan as outlined in 11.2.4 where
applicable;
4. for wild seaweed a full description and a map of shore and
sea collection areas and land areas where post collection
activities take place shall be drawn up.
889-Article
73a
C
5.6 Control arrangements for livestock and livestock products
1. When the control system applying specifically to livestock
production is first implemented, the full description of the unit
referred to in 5.3.1.a shall include:
(a) a full description of the livestock buildings, pasturage, open
air areas, etc., and, where applicable, the premises for the
storage, packaging and processing of livestock, livestock
products, raw materials and inputs;
889-Article 74
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(b) a full description of the installations for the storage of
livestock manure.
2. The practical measures referred to in 5.3.1.b shall include:
(a) a plan for spreading manure agreed with the control body or
authority, together with a full description of the areas given over
to crop production;
(b) where appropriate, as regards the spreading of manure, the
written arrangements with other holdings as referred to in
6.4.4.3 complying with the provisions of the organic production
rules;
a management plan for the organic-production livestock unit.
5.7 Control arrangements for aquaculture animal production
When the control system applying specifically to aquaculture
animal production is first implemented, the full description of
the unit referred to in 5.3.1.a shall include:
1. a full description of the installations on land and at sea;
2. the environmental assessment as outlined in 11.2.3 where
applicable;
3. the sustainable management plan as outlined in 11.2.4 where
applicable.
4. in the case of molluscs a summary of the special chapter of the
sustainable management plan as required by cultivation rules in
11.20.4(2)
889-Article
79a
C
5.8 For bivalve mollusc production, inspection visits shall take place
before and during maximum biomass production.
889Article 79c C
5.9 Prohibition on the use of GMOs
1. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and products
produced from or by GMOs shall not be used as food, feed,
processing aids, plant protection products, fertilisers, soil
conditioners, seeds, vegetative propagating material, micro-
organisms, and animals in organic production.
2. For the purpose of the prohibition referred to in paragraph
5.9.1, with regard to products not being food or feed, or
products produced by GMOs, operators using such non-organic
products purchased from third parties shall require the vendor
to confirm that the products supplied have not been produced
from or by GMOs.
834-Article 9
889-Article 69
C
5.10 Prohibition on the use of ionising radiation
The use of ionising radiation for the treatment of organic food or
feed, or of raw materials used in organic food or feed is
prohibited.
834-Article 10
C
6 Farm Production
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6.1 General farm production rules
1. The entire agricultural holding shall be managed in
compliance with the requirements applicable to organic
production.
2. A holding may be split up into clearly separated units or
aquaculture production sites which are not all managed under
organic production. As regards animals, different species shall
be involved. As regards aquaculture the same species may be
involved, provided that there is adequate separation between
the production sites. As regards plants, different varieties that
can be easily differentiated shall be involved.
3. Where not all units of a holding are used for organic
production, the operator shall keep the land, animals, and
products used for, or produced by, the organic units separate
from those used for, or produced by, the non-organic units and
keep adequate records to show the separation.
834-Article 11
C
6.2 Conversion
6.2.1 General requirements
1. The following rules shall apply to a farm on which organic
production is started:
(a) the conversion period shall start at the earliest when the
operator has notified his/her activity to the control body;
(b) during the conversion period all rules established by this
Standard shall apply;
(c) conversion periods specific to the type of crop or animal
production shall be defined (see paragraphs 6.2.2-6.2.6);
(d) on a holding or unit partly under organic production and
partly in conversion to organic production, the operator shall
keep the organically produced and in-conversion products
separate and the animals separate or readily separable and keep
adequate records to show the separation;
(e) in order to determine the conversion period referred to
above, a period immediately preceding the date of the start of
the conversion period may be taken into account, in so far as
certain conditions concur;
(f) animals and animal products produced during the
conversion period referred to in subparagraph (c) shall not be
marketed with the indications referred to in 9.1 used in the
labelling and advertising of products.
834-Article 17 C
6.2.2 Conversion - plants and plant products
1. For plants and plant products to be considered organic, the
production rules as referred to in sections 5.9, 5.10, 6.1 and 6.4 of
this Standard must have been applied on the parcels during a
conversion period of at least two years before sowing, or, in the
889-Article 36 C
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case of grassland or perennial forage, at least two years before
its use as feed from organic farming, or, in the case of perennial
crops other than forage, at least three years before the first
harvest of organic products.
2. The control body may decide to recognise retroactively as
being part of the conversion period any previous period in
which:
(a) the land parcels were registered in an official environmental
protection or similar programme, provided that the measures
concerned ensure that products not authorised for organic
production have not been used on those parcels, or
(b) the parcels were natural or agricultural areas which were not
treated with products not authorised for organic production.
The period referred to in point 6.2.2.2(b) can be taken into
consideration retroactively only where satisfactory proof has
been furnished to the control body allowing it to satisfy itself
that the conditions were met for a period of at least three years.
3. The control body may decide, in certain cases, where the land
had been contaminated with products not authorised for organic
production, to extend the conversion period beyond the period
referred to in paragraph 1.
6.2.3 Conversion - seaweed
1. The conversion period for a seaweed harvesting site shall be
six months.
2. The conversion period for a seaweed cultivation unit shall be
the longer of six months or one full production cycle.
889-Article
36a
C
6.2.4 Conversion - land associated with organic livestock
production
1. The conversion rules referred to in paragraph 6.2.2 of this
Standard shall apply to the whole area of the production unit on
which animal feed is produced.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph 6.2.4.1, the
conversion period may be reduced to one year for pasturages
and open air areas used by non-herbivore species. This period
may be reduced to six months where the land concerned has not
during the last year, received treatments with products not
authorised for organic production.
889- Article
37
C
6.2.5 Conversion – livestock and livestock products
1. Where non-organic livestock has been brought onto a holding
in accordance with paragraph 6.7.2 of this Standard and if
livestock products are to be sold as organic products, the
production rules as referred to in this Standard must have been
applied for at least:
(a) 12 months in the case of equidae and bovines, including
bubalus and bison species, for meat production, and in any case
at least three quarters of their lifetime;
(b) six months in the case of small ruminants and pigs and
889- Article
38
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animals for milk production;
(c) 10 weeks for poultry for meat production, brought in before
they are three days old;
(d) six weeks in the case of poultry for egg production.
2. Where non-organic animals exist on a holding at the
beginning of the conversion period their products may be
deemed organic if there is simultaneous conversion of the
complete production unit, including livestock, pasturage and/or
any land used for animal feed. The total combined conversion
period for both existing animals and their offspring, pasturage
and/or any land used for animal feed, may be reduced to 24
months, if the animals are mainly fed with products from the
production unit.
6.2.6 Conversion - aquaculture animal production
1. The following conversion periods for aquaculture production
units shall apply for the following types of aquaculture facilities
including the existing aquaculture animals:
(a) for facilities that cannot be drained, cleaned and disinfected,
a conversion period of 24 months;
(b) for facilities that have been drained, or fallowed, a
conversion period of 12 months;
(c) for facilities that have been drained, cleaned and disinfected
a conversion period of six months;
(d) for open water facilities including those farming bivalve
molluscs, a three month conversion period.
2. The control body may decide to recognise retroactively as
being part of the conversion period any previously documented
period in which the facilities were not treated or exposed to
products not authorised for organic production.
889-Article
38a
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6.3 Parallel production
6.3.1 Parallel production - plant production
1. Where an operator’s holding faces climatic, geographical or
structural constraints, a producer may apply to the control body
to run organic and non-organic production units in the same
area:
(a) in the case of the production of perennial crops, which
require a cultivation period of at least three years, where
varieties cannot be easily differentiated, provided the following
conditions are met:
(i) the production in question forms part of a conversion plan in
respect of which the producer gives a firm undertaking and
which provides for the beginning of the conversion of the last
part of the area concerned to organic production in the shortest
possible period which may not in any event exceed a maximum
of five years;
(ii) appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the
permanent separation of the products obtained from each unit
889-Article
40.
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concerned;
(iii) the control body is notified of the harvest of each of the
products concerned at least 48 hours in advance;
(iv) upon completion of the harvest, the producer informs the
control body of the exact quantities harvested on the units
concerned and of the measures applied to separate the products;
(v) the conversion plan has been approved by the control body;
this approval shall be confirmed each year after the start of the
conversion plan;
(b) in the case of areas intended for agricultural research or
formal education agreed by the control body and provided the
conditions set out in point 6.3.1.1(a)(ii)(iii)(iv) and the relevant
part of point (v) are met;
(c) in the case of production of seed, vegetative propagating
material and transplants and provided the conditions set out in
point 6.3.1.1(a)(ii)(iii)(iv) and the relevant part of point (v) are
met;
(d) in the case of grassland exclusively used for grazing.
.
6.3.2 Parallel production – livestock
1. Non organic livestock may be present on the holding
provided they are reared on units where the buildings and
parcels are separated clearly from the units producing in
accordance with the organic production rules and a different
species is involved.
2. Non-organic livestock may use organic pasturage for a limited
period of time each year, provided that such animals come from
a farming system as defined in paragraph 3(b) and that organic
animals are not present at the same time on that pasture.
3. Organic animals may be grazed on common land, providing
that:
(a) the land has not been treated with products not authorised
for organic production for at least three years;
(b) any non-organic animals which use the land concerned are
derived from farming systems that target the sustainable use of
land (eg. farms in disadvantaged areas, environmental schemes,
higher animal welfare)
(c) any livestock products from organic animals, whilst using
this land, shall not be regarded as being from organic
production, unless adequate segregation from non-organic
animals can be proved.
4. During the period of transhumance animals may graze on
non-organic land when they are being moved on foot from one
grazing area to another. The uptake of non-organic feed, in the
form of grass and other vegetation on which the animals graze,
during this period shall not exceed 10 % of the total feed ration
per year. This figure shall be calculated as a percentage of the
dry matter of feedingstuffs from agricultural origin.
889-Article 17
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E
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5. Operators shall keep documentary evidence of the use of
provisions referred to in 6.3.2
6. The control body may authorise holdings carrying out
agricultural research or formal education to rear organic and
non-organic livestock of the same species, where the following
conditions are met:
(a) appropriate measures, notified in advance to the control
body, have been taken in order to guarantee the permanent
separation between livestock, livestock products, manure and
feedingstuffs of each of the units;
(b) the producer informs the control body in advance of any
delivery or selling of the livestock or livestock products;
(c) the operator informs the control body of the exact quantities
produced in the units together with all characteristics permitting
the identification of the products and confirms that the measures
taken to separate the products have been applied
889 – Article
40.2
6.3.3 Parallel production – beekeeping
Where an operator holding faces climatic, geographical or
structural constraints, and, for the purpose of pollination actions
an operator may run organic and non-organic beekeeping units
on the same holding, provided that all the requirements of the
organic production rules are fulfilled, with the exception of the
provisions for the siting of the apiaries. In that case the product
cannot be sold as organic.
The operator shall keep documentary evidence of the use of this
provision.
889-Article 41
C
6.4 Plant production rules
In addition to the general farm production rules laid down in
paragraph 6.1 , the following rules shall apply to organic plant
production:
C
6.4.1 Seeds
1. For the production of products other than seed and vegetative
propagating material only organically produced seed and
propagating material shall be used. To this end, the mother
plant in the case of seeds and the parent plant in the case of
vegetative propagating material shall have been produced in
accordance with the rules laid down in this Standard for at
least one generation, or, in the case of perennial crops, two
growing seasons;
834-Article
12.1
C
6.4.2 Use of seed or vegetative propagating material not obtained by
the organic production method
1. Where organic seed or vegetative propagating material is
not available on the market,
(a) seed and vegetative propagating material from a production
unit in conversion to organic farming may be used,
(b) where point (a) is not applicable, control bodies may
authorise the use of non-organic seed or vegetative propagating
889-Article 45
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material if not available from organic production. However, for
the use of non-organic seed and seed potatoes the following
paragraphs 2 to 9 apply.
2. Non-organic seed and seed potatoes may be used, provided
that the seed or seed potatoes are not treated with plant
protection products, other than those authorised for treatment of
seed in accordance with paragraph 6.5.1.1 unless chemical
treatment is prescribed in accordance with national
requirements for phytosanitary purposes for all varieties of a
given species in the area where the seed or seed potatoes are to
be used.
3. Species for which it is established that organically produced
seed or seed potatoes are available in sufficient quantities and
for a significant number of varieties may not be subject of
authorisations pursuant to paragraph 1(b) above, unless these
are justified by one of the purposes referred to in paragraph 5(c)
below.
4. The responsibility for granting the authorisation referred to in
paragraph 1(b) may rest with the control body.
5. Authorisation to use seed or seed potatoes not obtained by the
organic production method may only be granted in the
following cases:
(a) where no supplier, meaning an operator who markets seed
or seed potatoes to other operators, is able to deliver the seed or
seed potatoes before sowing or planting in situations where the
user has ordered the seed or seed potatoes in reasonable time;
(b) where the user is able to demonstrate that the desired variety
and none of the registered alternatives of the same species are
appropriate and that the authorisation therefore is significant for
her/his production;
(c) where it is justified for use in research, test in small-scale
field trials, or for variety of conservation purposes agreed by the
control body.
6. The authorisation shall be granted before the sowing of the
crop.
7. The authorisation shall be granted only to individual users for
one season at a time and the control body responsible for the
authorisations shall register the quantities of seed or seed
potatoes authorised.
8. By way of derogation from paragraph 7, the control body may
grant to all users a general authorisation:
(a) for a given species when and in so far as the condition laid
down in paragraph 5(a) is fulfilled;
(b) for a given variety when and in so far as the conditions laid
down in paragraph 5(b) are fulfilled.
The authorisations referred to in the first subparagraph shall be
clearly indicated in records maintained by the control body.
6.4.3 Soil management and amendments
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1. Organic plant production shall use tillage and cultivation
practices that maintain or increase soil organic matter, enhance
soil stability and soil biodiversity, and prevent soil compaction
and soil erosion;
2. The fertility and biological activity of the soil shall be
maintained and increased by multi-annual crop rotation
including legumes and other green manure crops, and by the
application of livestock manure or organic material, both
preferably composted, from organic production;
3. The use of biodynamic preparations is allowed;
4. In addition, fertilisers and soil conditioners may only be used
if they have been authorised for use in organic production by
certification body
5. Mineral nitrogen fertilisers shall not be used.
834-Article
12.1
C
6.4.4 Resort to fertilisers and soil conditioners
1. Where the nutritional needs of plants cannot be met by
cultivation practices, crop rotation and the application of
organic material (paragraph 6.4.3.1, 6.4.3.2 and 6.4.3.3) only
fertilisers and soil conditioners referred to in Annex I of this
Standard may be used in organic production and only to the
extent necessary. Operators shall keep documentary evidence of
the need to use the product.
2. The total amount of livestock manure applied on the holding
may not exceed 170 kg of nitrogen per year/hectare of
agricultural area used. This limit shall only apply to the use of
farmyard manure, dried farmyard manure and dehydrated
poultry manure, composted animal excrements, including
poultry manure, composted farmyard manure and liquid animal
excrements.
3. Organic-production holdings may establish written
cooperation agreements exclusively with other holdings and
enterprises which comply with the organic production rules,
with the intention of spreading surplus manure from organic
production. The maximum limit as referred to in paragraph 2,
shall be calculated on the basis of all of the organic-production
units involved in such cooperation.
4. Appropriate preparations of micro-organisms may be used to
improve the overall condition of the soil or the availability of
nutrients in the soil or in the crops.
5. For compost activation appropriate plant-based preparations
or preparations of micro-organisms may be used.
889-Article 3
C
6.4.5 Hydroponic production is prohibited. 889-Article 4 C
6.5 Pest prevention and treatment
1. The prevention of damage caused by pests, diseases and
weeds shall rely primarily on the protection by natural enemies,
the choice of species and varieties, crop rotation, cultivation
techniques and thermal processes;
834-Article
12.1
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2. In the case of an established threat to a crop, plant protection
products may only be used if they have been authorised for use
in organic production under Annex II.;
6.5.1 Resort to pest treatments
1. Where plants cannot be adequately protected from pests and
diseases by the measures mentioned above, only products
referred to in Annex II of this Standard may be used in organic
production. Operators shall keep documentary evidence of the
need to use the product.
2. For products used in traps and dispensers, except pheromone
dispensers, the traps and/or dispensers, shall prevent the
substances from being released into the environment and
prevent contact between the substances and the crops being
cultivated. The traps shall be collected after use and disposed of
safely.
889-Article 5
C
6.5.2 Cleaning and disinfection
Products for cleaning and disinfection in plant production shall
be used only if they have been authorised for use in organic
production in Annex VII.
834-Article
12.1
E
6.5.3 Contamination
All plant production techniques used shall prevent or minimise
any contribution to the contamination of the environment.
834-Article
12.1
C
6.5.4 Storage of input products
In case of organic plant, seaweed, livestock and aquaculture
animal production units, storage of input products other than
those authorised under this Standard is prohibited in the
production unit.
889-Article 35 E
6.6.1 Mushroom production
For production of mushrooms, substrates may be used, if they
are composed only of the following components:
1. farmyard manure and animal excrements:
(a) either from holdings producing according to the organic
production method;
(b) or referred to in Annex I, only when the product referred to
in point (a) is not available; and when they do not exceed 25 %
of the weight of total components of the substrate, excluding the
covering material and any added water, before composting;
2. products of agricultural origin, other than those referred to in
point (1), from holdings producing according to organic
production method;
3. peat not chemically treated;
4. wood, not treated with chemical products after felling;
5. mineral products referred to in Annex I, water and soil.
889-Article 6
C
6.6.2 Wild plant collection
The collection of wild plants and parts thereof, growing
naturally in natural areas, forests and agricultural areas is 834-Article
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considered an organic production method provided that:
1. those areas have not, for a period of at least three years before
the collection, received treatment with products other than those
authorised for use in organic production under Annex I;
2. the collection does not affect the stability of the natural habitat
or the maintenance of the species in the collection area.
12.2
6.7 Livestock production rules
1. In addition to the general farm production rules laid down in
paragraph 6.1, the following rules shall apply to livestock
production:
834-Article 14
Identification of livestock
The livestock shall be identified permanently using techniques
adapted to each species, individually in the case of large
mammals and individually or by batch in the case of poultry
and small mammals.
889-Article 75
C
6.7.1 Origin of animals
With regard to the origin of the animals organic livestock shall
be born and raised on organic holdings.
834-Article 14 C
6.7.2 Use of non-organic animals
1. For breeding purposes, non-organically raised animals may be
brought onto a holding under specific conditions. Such animals
and their products may be deemed organic after compliance
with the conversion period referred to in 6.2
2. Non-organic animals may be brought onto a holding for
breeding purposes, only when organic animals are not available
in sufficient number and subject to the conditions provided for
in paragraphs 3 to 5.
3. Non-organic young mammals, when a herd or flock is
constituted for the first time, shall be reared in accordance with
the organic production rules immediately after they are weaned.
Moreover, the following restrictions shall apply at the date on
which the animals enter the herd:
(a) buffalo, calves and foals shall be less than six months old;
(b) lambs and kids shall be less than 60 days old;
(c) piglets shall weigh less than 35 kg.
4. Non-organic adult male and nulliparous female mammals, for
the renewal of a herd or flock, shall be reared subsequently in
accordance with the organic production rules. Moreover, the
number of female mammals is subject to the following
restrictions per year:
(a) up to a maximum of 10 % of adult equine or bovine,
including bubalus and bison species, livestock and 20 % of the
adult porcine, ovine and caprine livestock, as female animals;
(b) for units with less than 10 equine or bovine animals, or with
less than five porcine, ovine or caprine animals any renewal as
mentioned above shall be limited to a maximum of one animal
per year.
834-Article 14
889-Article 9
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5. The percentages referred to in paragraph 4 may be increased
up to 40 %, subject to prior authorisation by the control body, in
the following special cases:
(a) when a major extension to the farm is undertaken;
(b) when a breed is changed;
(c) when a new livestock specialisation is initiated;
(d) when breeds are in danger of being lost to farming and in
that case, animals of those breeds must not necessarily be
nulliparous.
6. Animals existing on the holding at the beginning of the
conversion period and their products may be deemed organic
after compliance with the conversion period referred to in 6.2.
834-Article 14
E
C
6.7.3 Use of non-organic animals
Where organic animals are not available, and with prior
authorisation of the control body,
1. when a flock is constituted for the first time, renewed or
reconstituted and organically reared poultry are not available in
sufficient numbers, non-organically reared poultry may be
brought into an organic poultry production unit, provided that
the pullets for the production of eggs and poultry for meat
production are less than three days old;
2. non-organically reared pullets for egg production of not more
than 18 weeks may be brought into an organic livestock unit
until 31 December 2020, when organically reared pullets are not
available and provided that the relevant provisions related to
feeding and disease prevention and treatment are complied
with.
889-Article 42
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6.7.4 Catastrophic circumstances
The control body may authorise on a temporary basis:
1. In the case of high mortality of animals caused by health or
catastrophic circumstances, the renewal or reconstitution of the
herd or flock with non-organic animals, when organically reared
animals are not available and provided that respective
conversion periods are applied to the non-organic animals;
2. In the case of high mortality of aquaculture animals caused
by: natural disasters, adverse climatic events, sudden water
quality and quantity changes for which the operator is not
responsible, diseases in aquaculture, failure or destruction of
production facilities for which the operator is not responsible,
the renewal or reconstitution of the aquaculture stock with non-
organic aquaculture animals, when organically reared animals
are not available and provided that at least the latter two thirds
of the duration of the production cycle are managed under
organic management.
Upon approval by the control body, the individual operators
shall keep documentary evidence of the use of the above
exceptions.
889-Article 47
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Equivalence 6.7.5 Husbandry practices and housing conditions
1. With regard to husbandry practices and housing conditions:
(a) personnel keeping animals shall possess the necessary basic
knowledge and skills as regards the health and the welfare
needs of the animals;
(b) husbandry practices, including stocking densities, and
housing conditions shall ensure that the developmental,
physiological and ethological needs of animals are met;
(c) the livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas,
preferably pasture, whenever weather conditions and the state
of the ground allow this unless restrictions and obligations
related to the protection of human and animal health are
imposed on the basis of relevant national legislation;
(d) the number of livestock shall be limited with a view to
minimising overgrazing, poaching of soil, erosion, or pollution
caused by animals or by the spreading of their manure;
(e) organic livestock shall be kept separate from other livestock.
However, grazing of common land by organic animals and of
organic land by non-organic animals is permitted under certain
restrictive conditions (see 6.3.2) ;
(f) duration of transport of livestock shall be minimised;
(g) Loading and unloading of animals shall be carried out
without the use of any type of electrical stimulation to coerce the
animals. The use of allopathic tranquillisers, prior to or during
transport, is prohibited.
834-Article 14
C
E
C
6.7.6 Stocking density
1. The total stocking density shall be such as not to exceed the
limit of 170 kg of nitrogen per year/hectare of agricultural area
as referred to under 6.4.4.2.
2. To determine the appropriate density of livestock referred to
above, the control body shall set out the livestock units
equivalent to the above limit. The figures laid down in Annex IV
may be taken as a guideline.
889-Article 15 C
E
6.7.7 Access to open air areas
1. Open air areas may be partially covered.
2. Herbivores shall have access to pasturage for grazing
whenever conditions allow.
3. In cases where herbivores have access to pasturage during the
grazing period and where the winter-housing system gives
freedom of movement to the animals, the obligation to provide
open air areas during the winter months may be waived.
4. Notwithstanding paragraph 2, bulls over one year old shall
have access to pasturage or an open air area.
5. Poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one
third of their life.
6. Open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with
vegetation and be provided with protective facilities and permit
889-Article 14
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fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking and
feeding troughs.
7. Where poultry are kept indoors due to restrictions or
obligations imposed on the basis of national legislation, they
shall permanently have access to sufficient quantities of
roughage and suitable material in order to meet their ethological
needs.
E
6.7.8 Possible exception: Specific management allowance in organic
livestock
The final fattening phase of adult bovines for meat production
may take place indoors, provided that the indoors period does
not exceed one fifth of the animal’s lifetime and in any case for a
maximum period of three months.
889-Article 46
C
6.7.9 Prohibition of landless livestock production
Landless livestock production, by which the operator of the
livestock does not manage agricultural land and/or has not
established a written cooperation agreement with another
operator as referred to under 6.4.4 is prohibited.
889-Article 16
C
6.7.10 Possible exception: Tethering of animals
1. Tethering or isolation of livestock shall be prohibited, unless for
individual animals for a limited period of time, and in so far as
this is justified for safety, welfare or veterinary reasons;
2. Where the operator holding faces climatic, geographical or
structural constraints, control bodies may authorise cattle in small
holdings to be tethered if it is not possible to keep the cattle in
groups appropriate to their behaviour requirements, provided
they have access to pastures during the grazing period and at
least twice a week access to open air areas when grazing is not
possible
834-Article 14
889-Article 39
834-Article 14
889-Article 18.4
C
E
6.7.11 Management of animals
Any suffering, including mutilation, shall be kept to a minimum
during the entire life of the animal, including at the time of
slaughter.
iii. 1. Operations such as attaching elastic bands to the tails
of sheep, tail-docking, cutting of teeth, trimming of
beaks, and dehorning shall not be carried out
routinely in organic farming. However, some of these
operations may be authorised by the control body for
reasons of safety or if they are intended to improve
the health, welfare or hygiene of the livestock on a
case-by-case basis.
Any suffering to the animals shall be reduced to a minimum by
applying adequate anaesthesia and/or analgesia and by carrying
out the operation only at the most appropriate age by qualified
personnel.
2. Physical castration is allowed in order to maintain the quality
of products and traditional production practices but only under
889-Article 18
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the conditions set out in the second subparagraph of 6.7.11.1.
6.7.12 Rules pertaining to housing conditions
1. Insulation, heating and ventilation of the building shall ensure
that air circulation, dust level, temperature, relative air humidity,
and gas concentration are kept within limits which are not
harmful to the animals. The building shall permit plentiful
natural ventilation and light to enter.
2. Housing for livestock shall not be mandatory in areas with
appropriate climatic conditions to enable animals to live
outdoors.
3. The stocking density in buildings shall provide for the comfort,
the well being and the species-specific needs of the animals which
in particular, shall depend on the species, the breed and the age of
the animals. It shall also take account of the behavioural needs of
the animals, which depend in particular on the size of the group
and the animals' sex. The density shall ensure the animals'
welfare by providing them with sufficient space to stand
naturally, lie down easily, turn round, groom themselves, assume
all natural postures and make all natural movements such as
stretching and wing flapping.
4. The minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas and other
characteristics of housing for different species and categories of
animals are laid down in Annex III.
889-Article 10 C
6.7.13 Specific housing conditions and husbandry practices for
mammals
1. Livestock housing shall have smooth, but not slippery floors.
At least half of the indoor surface area as specified in Annex III
shall be solid, that is, not of slatted or of grid construction.
2. The housing shall be provided with a comfortable, clean and
dry laying/rest area of sufficient size, consisting of a solid
construction which is not slatted. Ample dry bedding strewn with
litter material shall be provided in the rest area. The litter shall
comprise straw or other suitable natural material. The litter may
be improved and enriched with any mineral product listed in
Annex I.
3. The housing of calves in individual boxes shall be forbidden
after the age of one week.
4. Sows shall be kept in groups, except in the last stages of
pregnancy and during the suckling period.
5. Piglets shall not be kept on flat decks or in piglet cages.
6. Exercise areas shall permit dunging and rooting by porcine
animals. For the purposes of rooting, different substrates can be
used.
889-Article 11
C
6.7.14 Specific housing conditions and husbandry practices for
poultry
1. Poultry shall not be kept in cages.
2. Water fowl shall have access to a stream, pond, lake or a pool 889-Article 12
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whenever the weather and hygienic conditions permit in order
to respect their species-specific needs and animal welfare
requirements.
3. Buildings for all poultry shall meet the following conditions:
(a) at least one third of the floor area shall be solid, that is, not of
slatted or of grid construction, and covered with a litter material
such as straw, wood shavings, sand or turf;
(b) in poultry houses for laying hens, a sufficiently large part of
the floor area available to the hens shall be available for the
collection of bird dropping;
(c) they shall have perches of a size and number commensurate
with the size of the group and of the birds as laid down in
Annex III.
(d) they shall have exit/entry pop-holes of a size adequate for the
birds, and these pop-holes shall have a combined length of at
least 4 m per 100 m2 area of the house available to the birds;
(e) each poultry house shall not contain more than:
(i) 4800 chickens,
(ii) 3000 laying hens,
(iii) 5200 guinea fowl,
(iv) 4000 female Muscovy or Peking ducks or 3200 male
Muscovy or Peking ducks or other ducks,
(v) 2500 capons, geese or turkeys;
(f) the total usable area of poultry houses for meat production on
any single unit, shall not exceed 1600 m2;
(g) poultry houses shall be constructed in a manner allowing all
birds easy access to open air area.
4. Natural light may be supplemented by artificial means to
provide a maximum of 16 hours light per day with a continuous
nocturnal rest period without artificial light of at least eight
hours.
5. To prevent the use of intensive rearing methods, poultry shall
either be reared until they reach a minimum age or else shall
come from slow-growing poultry strains. Where slow-growing
poultry strains are not used by the operator the following
minimum age at slaughter shall be:
(a) 81 days for chickens,
(b) 150 days for capons,
(c) 49 days for Peking ducks,
(d) 70 days for female Muscovy ducks,
(e) 84 days for male Muscovy ducks,
(f) 92 days for Mallard ducks,
(g) 94 days for guinea fowl,
(h) 140 days for male turkeys and roasting geese, and
(i) 100 days for female turkeys.
The control body shall define the criteria of slow-growing
strains or draw up a list thereof and provide this information to
operators.
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1. Reproduction shall use natural methods. Artificial insemination
is however allowed;
2. Reproduction shall not be induced by treatment with hormones
or similar substances, unless as a form of veterinary therapeutic
treatment in case of an individual animal;
3. Other forms of artificial reproduction, such as cloning and
embryo transfer, shall not be used;
4. Appropriate breeds shall be chosen. The choice of breeds shall
also contribute to the prevention of any suffering and to avoiding
the need for the mutilation of animals;
5. In the choice of breeds or strains, account shall be taken of the
capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and
their resistance to disease. In addition, breeds or strains of
animals shall be selected to avoid specific diseases or health
problems associated with some breeds or strains used in intensive
production, such as porcine stress syndrome, PSE Syndrome
(pale-soft-exudative), sudden death, spontaneous abortion and
difficult births requiring caesarean operations. Preference is to be
given to indigenous breeds and strains
834-Article 14
889-Article 8
C
6.7.16 Feed for livestock
1. Primarily obtaining feed for livestock from the holding where
the animals are kept or from other organic holdings in the same
region;
2. Livestock shall be fed with organic feed that meets the animal’s
nutritional requirements at the various stages of its development.
A part of the ration may contain feed from holdings which are in
conversion to organic farming;
3. With the exception of bees, livestock shall have permanent
access to pasture or roughage;
4. Non-organic feed materials from plant origin, feed materials
from animal and mineral origin, feed additives, certain products
used in animal nutrition, and processing aids shall be used only if
they have been authorised for use in organic production under
Annexes V or VI;
5. Growth promoters and synthetic amino-acids shall not be used;
6. Suckling mammals shall be fed with natural, preferably
maternal, milk.
834-Article 14
C
E
C 6.7.17 Feed from own holding or from other organic holdings
1. In the case of herbivores, except during the period each year
when the animals are under transhumance subject to 6.3.2.4, at
least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or in
case this is not feasible, be produced in cooperation with other
organic farms primarily in the same region.
2. In case of pigs and poultry, at least 20 % of the feed shall come
from the farm unit itself or in case this is not feasible, be produced
in the same region in cooperation with other organic farms or
889-Article 19
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feed business operators.
6.7.18 Feed meeting animals' nutritional requirements
1. All young mammals shall be fed on maternal milk in
preference to natural milk, for a minimum period of three months
for bovines including bubalus and bison species and equidae, 45
days for sheep and goats, and 40 days for pigs.
2. Rearing systems for herbivores are to be based on maximum
use of grazing pasturage according to the availability of pastures
in the different periods of the year. At least 60 % of the dry matter
in daily rations of herbivores shall consist of roughage, fresh or
dried fodder, or silage. A reduction to 50 % for animals in dairy
production for a maximum period of three months in early
lactation is allowed.
3. Roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage shall be added to the
daily ration for pigs and poultry.
4. The keeping of livestock in conditions, or on a diet, which may
encourage anaemia, is prohibited.
5. Fattening practices shall be reversible at any stage of the
rearing process. Force-feeding is forbidden.
889-Article 20
C
6.7.19 In-conversion feed
1. Up to 30 % of the feed formula of rations on average may
comprise in-conversion feedingstuffs. When the in-conversion
feedingstuffs come from a unit of the holding itself, this
percentage may be increased to 100%.
2. Up to 20 % of the total average amount of feedingstuffs fed to
the livestock may originate from the grazing or harvesting of
permanent pastures or perennial forage parcels or protein crops,
sown under organic management on lands in their first year of
conversion, provided that they are part of the holding itself and
have not been part of an organic production unit of that holding
in the last five years. When both in-conversion feedingstuffs and
feedingstuffs from parcels in their first year of conversion are
being used, the total combined percentage of such feedingstuffs
shall not exceed the maximum percentages fixed in paragraph 1.
3. The figures in paragraph 1 and 2 shall be calculated annually as
a percentage of the dry matter of feedingstuffs of plant origin.
889-Article 21
E
6.7.20 Use of certain products and substances in feed
For the purpose of 6.7.16 only the following substances may be
sued in the processing of organic feed and feeding organic
animals:
1. Non-organic feed materials of plant and animal origin or other
feed materials that are listed in section 2 of Annex V may be used
subject to the restrictions laid down in 6.7.21 and 6.7.22 below and
only if they are produced or prepared without chemical solvents
2. Feed materials of mineral origin may be used in organic
production if they are listed in Annex V and the restrictions laid
down therein are complied with.
889-Article 22
a- g
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3. Products from sustainable fisheries may be used to feed organic
animals provided that they are produced or prepared without
chemical solvents, their use is restricted to non herbivores and the
use of fish protein hydrolysate is restricted solely to young
animals.
4. Feed additives listed in Annex VI and the restrictions laid
down therein are complied with may be used.
5. Non organic spices, herbs and molasses may be used in organic
production provided that their organic form is not available, they
are produced or prepared without chemical solvents, their use is
limited to 1% of the feed ration of a given species, calculated
annually as a percentage of the dry matter of feed from
agricultural origin.
6. Salt as sea salt or coarse rock salt is permitted.
7. Organic feed materials of animal origin. 6.7.21 Use of non-organic protein feed of plant and animal origin for
livestock
The use of a limited proportion of nonorganic feed of plant and
animal origin is allowed for porcine and poultry species where
farmers are unable to obtain feed exclusively from organic
production. The maximum percentage of non-organic feed
authorised per period of 12 months for those species shall be 5 %
until 31st December 2020 . The figures shall be calculated annually
as a percentage of the dry matter of feed from agricultural origin.
The operator shall keep documentary evidence of the need for the
use of this provision.
889-Article 43 C
6.7.22 Catastrophic circumstances
The control body may authorise on a temporary basis: the use of
non-organic feedingstuffs for a limited period and in relation to a
specific area by individual operators, when forage production is
lost or when restrictions are imposed, in particular as a result of
exceptional meteorological conditions, the outbreak of infectious
diseases, the contamination with toxic substances, or as a
consequence of fires;
Upon approval by the control body, the individual operators shall
keep documentary evidence of the use of the above exception.
Control bodies shall keep records of the exceptions they have
granted under this allowance.
889-Article 47 c E
6.7.23 Disease prevention and veterinary treatment
Disease prevention shall be based on breed and strain selection,
husbandry management practices, high quality feed and exercise,
appropriate stocking density, and adequate and appropriate
housing maintained in hygienic conditions.
834-Article 14
C
6.7.24 Disease prevention
1. The use of chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary
medicinal products or antibiotics for preventive treatment is
prohibited, without prejudice to 6.7.25
889-Article 23 C
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2. The use of substances to promote growth or production
(including antibiotics, coccidiostatics and other artificial aids for
growth promotion purposes) and the use of hormones or similar
substances to control reproduction or for other purposes (e.g.
induction or synchronisation of oestrus), is prohibited.
3. Where livestock is obtained from non-organic units, special
measures such as screening tests or quarantine periods may
apply, depending on local circumstances.
4. Housing, pens, equipment and utensils shall be properly
cleaned and disinfected to prevent cross-infection and the build-
up of disease carrying organisms. Faeces, urine and uneaten or
spilt feed shall be removed as often as necessary to minimise
smell and to avoid attracting insects or rodents. For the purpose
of cleaning and disinfection (see 6.7.27) only products listed in
Annex VII may be used for cleaning and disinfection of livestock
buildings, installations, and utensils. Rodenticides (to be used
only in traps), and the products listed in Annex II, can be used for
the elimination of insects and other pests in buildings and other
installations where livestock is kept.
5. Buildings shall be emptied of livestock between each batch of
poultry reared. The buildings and fittings shall be cleaned and
disinfected during this time. In addition, when the rearing of each
batch of poultry has been completed, runs shall be left empty to
allow vegetation to grow back. Control bodies shall establish the
period for which runs must be empty. The operator shall keep
documentary evidence of the application of this period. These
requirements shall not apply where poultry is not reared in
batches, is not kept in runs, and is free to roam, throughout the
day.
6.7.25 Veterinary treatment
1. Disease shall be treated immediately to avoid suffering to the
animal; chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal
products including antibiotics may be used where necessary and
under strict conditions, when the use of phytotherapeutic,
homeopathic and other products is inappropriate or ineffective.
In particular, restrictions with respect to courses of treatment and
withdrawal periods shall be defined;
2. The use of immunological veterinary medicines is allowed;
3. Treatments related to the protection of human and animal
health imposed on the basis of national legislation shall be
allowed;
4. Where, despite preventive measures to ensure animal health
(see 6.7.24), animals become sick or injured they shall be treated
immediately, if necessary in isolation and in suitable housing.
5. Phytotherapeutic, homeopathic products, trace elements and
products listed in Section1 of Annex V and in Section 1.1 of
Annex VI, shall be used in preference to chemically-synthesised
allopathic veterinary treatment or antibiotics, provided that their
834-Article 14
889-Article 24
C
E
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therapeutic effect is effective for the species of animal, and the
condition for which the treatment is intended.
6. If the use of measures referred to in paragraph 4 and 5 is not
effective in combating illness or injury, and if treatment is
essential to avoid suffering or distress of the animal, chemically
synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products or
antibiotics may be used under the responsibility of a veterinarian.
7. With the exception of vaccinations, treatments for parasites and
compulsory eradication schemes where an animal or group of
animals receive more than three courses of treatments with
chemically-synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products
or antibiotics within 12 months, or more than one course of
treatment if their productive life cycle is less than one year, the
livestock concerned, or produce derived from them, may not be
sold as organic products, and the livestock shall undergo the
conversion periods set out in 6.2.5. Records of documented
evidence of the occurrence of such circumstances shall be kept by
the operator for review by the control body.
8. The withdrawal period between the last administration of an
allopathic veterinary medicinal product to an animal under
normal conditions of use, and the production of organically
produced foodstuffs from such animals, is to be twice the legal
withdrawal period or, in a case in which this period is not
specified, 48 hours.
6.7.26 Storage of allopathic veterinary products
The storage of allopathic veterinary medicinal products and
antibiotics is permitted on holdings provided that they have been
prescribed by a veterinarian in connection with treatment as
referred to in 6.7.25.6, that they are stored in a supervised
location, and that they are entered in the livestock record as
referred to in Section 10 of this Standard, or as appropriate, in the
aquaculture production records as referred to in 10.6.
834-Article 35
C
6.7.27 Cleaning and disinfection
With regard to cleaning and disinfection, products for cleaning
and disinfection in livestock buildings and installations, shall be
used only if they have been authorised for use in organic
production under Annex VII.
834-Article 14
C
6.8 Beekeeping
6.8.1 Beekeeping - Ecotypes
Preference shall be given to the use of local ecotypes. 889-Article 8 E
6.8.2 Beekeeping - Conversion
1. Beekeeping products can be sold with references to the organic
production method only when the organic production rules have
been complied with for at least one year.
2. The conversion period for apiaries does not apply in the case of
application of 6.8.2.1.2 of this Standard.
889- Article 38
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3. During the conversion period the wax shall be replaced with
wax coming from organic beekeeping.
6.8.2.1 Non-organic swarms
1. Non-organic animals may be brought onto a holding for
breeding purposes, only when organic animals are not available
in sufficient number.
2. For the renovation of apiaries, 10 % per year of the queen bees
and swarms may be replaced by non-organic queen bees and
swarms in the organic production unit, provided that the queen
bees and swarms are placed in hives with combs or comb
foundations coming from organic production units.
889-Article 9
C
6.8.2.2 Use of non-organic beeswax
In the case of new installations or during the conversion period,
non-organic beeswax may be used only:
1. where beeswax from organic beekeeping is not available on the
market;
2. where it is proven free of contamination by substances not
authorised for organic production; and
3. provided that it comes from the cap
889-Article 44
C
6.8.2.3 Catastrophic circumstances
The control body may authorise on a temporary basis in case of
high mortality of bees caused by health or catastrophic
circumstances, the reconstitution of the apiaries with non-organic
bees, when organic apiaries are not available;
Upon approval by the control body, the individual operators shall
keep documentary evidence of the use of the above exception.
889-Article 47
E
6.8.3 Beekeeping - Hive location
1. Apiaries shall be placed in areas which ensure nectar and pollen
sources consisting essentially of organically produced crops or, as
appropriate, of spontaneous vegetation or non-organically
managed forests or crops that are only treated with low
environmental impact methods. Apiaries shall be kept at sufficient
distance from sources that may lead to the contamination of
beekeeping products or to the poor health of the bees;
2. The siting of the apiaries shall be such that, within a radius of 3
km from the apiary site, nectar and pollen sources consist
essentially of organically produced crops and/or spontaneous
vegetation and/or crops treated with low environmental impact
methods1 which cannot affect the qualification of beekeeping
production as being organic. The above mentioned requirements
834-Article 14
889-Article 13
C
1 Equivalent to those as described in Article 22 of Council Regulation 1257/1999 (13)
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do not apply where flowering is not taking place, or the hives are
dormant.
3. The control body may designate regions or areas where
beekeeping complying with organic production rules is not
practicable.
6.8.4 Beekeeping - Hive materials
1. The hives shall be made basically of natural materials presenting
no risk of contamination to the environment or the apiculture
products.
889-Article 13
C
6.8.5 Beekeeping - Husbandry
1. The destruction of bees in the combs as a method associated
with the harvesting of beekeeping products is prohibited;
2. The bees wax for new foundations shall come from organic
production units.
3. Without prejudice to 6.8.7, only natural products such as
propolis, wax and plant oils can be used in the hives.
4. The use of chemical synthetic repellents is prohibited during
honey extractions operations.
5. The use of brood combs is prohibited for honey extraction.
6. Mutilation such as clipping the wings of queen bees is
prohibited.
834-Article 14
889-Article 13
889-Article 18.3
C
6.8.6 Beekeeping - Feeding
1. At the end of the production season hives shall be left with
sufficient reserves of honey and pollen to survive the winter.
2. The feeding of bee colonies shall only be permitted where the
survival of the hives is endangered due to climatic conditions and
only between the last honey harvest and 15 days before the start of
the next nectar or honeydew flow period. Feeding shall be with
organic honey, organic sugar syrup, or organic sugar.
889-Article 19
C
6.8.6.1 Catastrophic circumstances
The control body may authorise on a temporary basis the feeding
of bees with organic honey, organic sugar or organic sugar syrup
in case of long lasting exceptional weather conditions or
catastrophic circumstances, which hamper the nectar or
honeydew production.
Upon approval by the control body, the individual operators shall
keep documentary evidence of the use of the above exception.
889-Article 47
E
6.8.7 Beekeeping – Disease prevention and veterinary treatment
1. For the purpose of cleaning and disinfection of frames, hives
and combs, sodium hydroxide may be used.
For the purposes of protecting frames, hives and combs, in
particular from pests, only rodenticides (to be used only in traps),
and appropriate products listed in Annex II, are permitted.
2. Physical treatments for disinfection of apiaries such as steam or
direct flame are permitted.
3. The practice of destroying the male brood is permitted only to
889-Article 25
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isolate the infestation of Varroa destructor.
4. If, despite all preventive measures, the colonies become sick or
infested, they shall be treated immediately and, if necessary, the
colonies can be placed in isolation apiaries.
5. Veterinary medicinal products may be used in organic
beekeeping in so far as the corresponding use is authorised under
national law.
6. Formic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid and oxalic acid as well as
menthol, thymol, eucalyptol or camphor may be used in cases of
infestation with Varroa destructor.
7. If a treatment is applied with chemically synthesised allopathic
products, during such a period, the colonies treated shall be
placed in isolation apiaries and all the wax shall be replaced with
wax coming from organic beekeeping. Subsequently, the
conversion period of one year laid down at 6.8.2 will apply to
those colonies.
8. The requirements laid down in paragraph 7 shall not apply to
products listed in paragraph 6.
E
C
7 Production of Processed Food
7.1 General rules
1. The preparation of processed organic food shall be kept
separate in time or space from non-organic food.
2. Substances and techniques that reconstitute properties that are
lost in the processing and storage of organic food, that correct the
results of negligence in the processing of these products or that
otherwise may be misleading as to the true nature of these
products shall not be used.
834-Article 19
C
7.2 Rules for preserving products and the production of processed
feed and food
iii. 1.Operators preserving products or producing processed
feed or food shall establish and update appropriate
procedures based on a systematic identification of
critical processing steps.
The application of these procedures shall guarantee at all times
that preserved or processed products comply with the organic
production rules.
2. Operators shall comply with and implement the procedures
referred to in paragraph1. In particular, operators shall:
(a) take precautionary measures to avoid the risk of
contamination by unauthorised substances or products;
(b) implement suitable cleaning measures, monitor their
effectiveness and record those measures;
(c) guarantee that non-organic products are not placed on the
market with an indication referring to the organic production
method.
889-Article
26.1,2
C
7.3 Split operations
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1. Further to the provisions laid down in 7.2, when non-organic
products are also prepared or stored in the preparation unit
concerned, the operator shall:
(a) carry out the operations continuously until the complete run
has been dealt with, separated by place or time from similar
operations performed on non-organic products;
(b) store organic products, before and after the operations,
separate by place or time from non-organic products;
( c) inform the control body or control authority thereof and keep
available an updated register of all operations and quantities
processed;
(d) take the necessary measures to ensure identification of lots
and to avoid mixtures or exchanges with non-organic products;
(e) carry out operations on organic products only after suitable
cleaning of the production equipment.
2. Additives, processing aids and other substances and
ingredients used for processing feed or food and any processing
practice applied, such as smoking, shall respect the principles of
good manufacturing practice.
889-Article
26.3,4
C
7.4 Ingredients
The following conditions shall apply to the composition of
organic processed food with the exception of products of the wine
sector for which section 7.4.4 shall apply:
1. the product shall be produced mainly from ingredients of
agricultural origin; in order to determine whether a product is
produced mainly from ingredients of agricultural origin, added
water and cooking salt shall not be taken into account;
2. only additives, processing aids, flavourings, water, salt,
preparations of micro-organisms and enzymes, minerals, trace
elements, vitamins, as well as amino acids and other
micronutrients in foodstuffs for particular nutritional uses may be
used, and only in so far as they have been authorised for use in
organic production in accordance with Annex VIII;
3. non-organic agricultural ingredients may be used only if they
have been authorised for use in organic production by the control
body. Such authorisation shall only be granted if the ingredient
in question is not available as organic and the authorisation shall
be reviewed annually (see 7.4.2).
4. an organic ingredient shall not be present together with the
same ingredient in non-organic form or an ingredient in
conversion;
5. food produced from in-conversion crops shall contain only one
crop ingredient of agricultural origin.
834-Article 19
C
E
C
7.4.1 Use of certain products and substances in processing of food
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1. Only the following substances can be used in the processing of
organic food with the exception of products from the wine sector:
(a) substances listed in Annex VIII to this Standard;
(b) preparations of micro-organisms and enzymes normally used
in food processing; however, enzymes to be used as food
additives have to be listed in Annex VIII, Section A;
(c) substances, and products2 labelled as natural flavouring
substances or natural flavouring preparations;
(d) colours for stamping meat and eggshells3;
(e) drinking water and salt (with sodium chloride or potassium
chloride as basic components) generally used in food processing;
(f) minerals (trace elements included), vitamins, amino acids, and
micronutrients, provided that:
(i) their use in food for normal consumption is “directly legally
required”, in the meaning of being directly required by provision
of EU law or provisions of national law compatible with Union
law, with the consequence that the food cannot be placed at all on
the market as food for normal consumption if those minerals,
vitamins, amino acids or micronutrients are not added; or
(ii) as regards food placed on the market as having particular
characteristics or effects in relation to health or nutrition or in
relation to needs of specific groups of consumers;
- in products referred to in points (a) and (b) of Article 1(1) of
Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of
the Council (*), their use is authorised by that Regulation and acts
adopted on the basis of Article 11(1) of that Regulation for the
products concerned.
- in products regulated by Commision Directive 2006/125/EC (**),
their use is authorised by that Directive, or
- in products regulated by Commission Directive 2006/141/EC
(***), their use is authorised by that Directive.
2. For the purpose of the calculation referred to at 9.1.3.(a)(ii),
(a) food additives listed in Annex VIII and marked in the column
of the additive code number, shall be calculated as ingredients of
agricultural origin;
(b) preparations and substances referred to in paragraph
1.(b),(c),(d),(e), and (f) of this paragraph and substances not
marked with an asterisk in the column of the additive code
number shall not be calculated as ingredients of agricultural
889-Articles5
27 and 27a
C
2 As defined in Articles 12.2.(b)(i) and 12.2.(c) of Council Directive 88/388/EEC (14) according to
Articles 91.(d) and 2.2. of that Directive.
3 In accordance with, respectively, Article 2(8) and Article 2(9) of European Parliament and Council
Directive 94/36/EC (15);
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origin.
(c) yeast and yeast products shall be calculated as ingredients of
agricultural origin;
(d) With regard to the production of organic yeast4, the following
substances may be used in the production, confection and
formulation of yeast:
(1) substances listed in Annex VIII, Section C;
(2) products and substances referred to in 7.4.1.1(b) and (e) above;
7.4.2 Authorisation of non-organic food ingredients of agricultural
origin
An ingredient of agricultural origin may only be used in non-
organic form under the following conditions:
1. The operator has notified the control body of all the requisite
evidence showing that the ingredient concerned is not produced
in sufficient quantity in the country or production in accordance
with the organic production rules or cannot be imported from
other countries;
2. The control body has issued formal authorisation which will be
reviewed annually. Control bodies shall keep detailed
information about the granted authorisations and inform the
Commission through EU annual report;
3. The authorisation may be withdrawn when evidence suggests
that the supply situation has improved.
889-Article 29
E
7.4.2. Addition of non-organic yeast extract
4 See Article 20(1) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007;
(*)Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food
intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for
weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC,
2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and
Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009 (OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 35).
(**) Commission Directive 2006/125/EC of 5 December 2006 on processed cereal-based foods and baby
foods for infants and young children (OJ L 339, 6.12.2006, p. 16).
(***) Commission Directive 2006/141/EC of 22 December 2006 on infant formulae and follow-on formulae
and amending Directive 1999/21/EC (OJ L 401, 30.12.2006, p. 1).’;
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1
The addition of up to 5% non-organic yeast extract or autolysate
to the substrate (calculated in dry matter) is allowed for the
production of organic yeast, where operators are unable to obtain
yeast extract or autolysate from organic production.6
889-Article 46a C
7.4.3 Specific provisions for seaweed
1. If the final product is fresh seaweed, flushing of freshly
harvested seaweed shall use seawater. If the final product is
dehydrated seaweed, potable water may also be used for
flushing. Salt may be used for removal of moisture.
2. The use of direct flames which come in direct contact with the
seaweed shall be prohibited for drying. If ropes or other
equipment are used in the drying process they shall be free of
anti-fouling treatments and cleaning or disinfection substances
except where a product is listed in Annex VII for this use.
889-Article 29a C
7.4.4 Specific provisions for wine
1. Products of the wine sector shall be produced from organic raw
material.
2. Only products and substances listed in Annex VIIIa can be
used for the making of wine sector products, including during the
processes and oenological practices, subject to restrictions and
conditions laid down in this Standard7.
3. Products and substances listed in Annex VIIIa of this Standard,
shall be derived from organic raw material, if available. Specific
products and substances are marked in Annex VIIIa.
4. Only oenological practices, processes and treatments, including
the restrictions provided for in Article 120c and 120d of
Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and in Articles 3, 5 to 9 and 11 to 14
of Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 and in their Annexes, used before
1 August 2010 are permitted.
5. The use of the following oenological practices, processes and
889-Article
29cand d
E
6 Where conditions stated in Article 22(2)(e) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, i.e., “where they are
necessary with regard to the use of specific products and substances in the processing referred to in
Article 19(2)(b) in order to ensure production of well established food products in organic form.” The
availability of organic yeast extract or autolysate shall be re-examined by 31 December 2013 with a
view to withdrawing this provision.
7 Products and substances used in organic wine production are also subject to conditions and
restrictions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (establishes a common organisation of
agricultural markets and details specific provisions for certain agricultural products) and 606/2009
(details production rules for grapevine products, oenological practices and applicable restrictions)
including Annex I A which lists permitted oenological practices and processes.
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treatments is prohibited8:
(a) partial concentration through cooling9;
(b) elimination of sulphur dioxide by physical processes;
(c) electrodialysis treatment to ensure the tartaric stabilisation of
the wine;
(d) partial dealcoholisation of wine;
(e) treatment with cation exchangers to ensure the tartaric
stabilisation of the wine;
6. The use of the following oenological practices, processes and
treatments is permitted10 under the following conditions:
(a) for heat treatments, the temperature shall not exceed 70°C;
(b) for centrifuging and filtration with or without an inert filtering
agent, the size of the pores shall be not smaller than 0.2
micrometer;
7. The use of the following oenological practices, processes and
treatment is permitted until further review11:
(a) heat treatments
(b) use of ion exchange resins
(c) reverse osmosis
7.4.5 Catastrophic circumstances
1. The control body may authorise on a temporary basis the use
of sulphur dioxide up to the maximum content to be fixed in
accordance with Annex I B to Regulation (EC) No 606/200912, if
the exceptional climatic conditions of a given harvest year
deteriorate the sanitary status of organic grapes in a specific
geographical area because of severe bacterial attacks or fungal
attacks, which oblige the winemaker to use more sulphur dioxide
than in previous years to obtain a comparable final product.
2. Upon approval by the control body, the individual operators
shall keep documentary evidence of the use of the above
exceptions.
889-Article
47(e)
E
7.4.6 Wine Transitional Period and Sale of Existing Stock
8 According to points 8, 36, 40, and 43 in Annex 1A of Regulation (EC) No 606/2009.
9 According to point (c) of Section B.1 of Annex XVa to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007.
10 According to points 2 and 3 in Annex 1A of Regulation (EC) No 606/2009.
11 Review by EU Commission before 1 August 2015, with a view to phase out or further restrict these
practices. See also points 2 and 20 in Annex 1 A to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 and point (b) Section
B.1 of Annex XVa to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007.
12 The level of sulphur dioxide varies according to the type of wine, i.e., red, white, rose, etc.
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Equivalence 1. Stocks of wine produced until 31 July 2012 in accordance with
either Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 or Regulation (EC) No
834/2007 may continue to be brought on the market until stocks
are exhausted, and subject to the following labelling
requirements:
a) The “Organic logo of the EU” may be used provided that the
wine-making process complies with this IACB standard.13
b) Operators using “Organic logo of the EU” shall keep recorded
evidence for at least 5 years after they have placed the wine
produced from organic grapes on the market, including
quantities of wine in litres, per wine category and per year.
b) Where documentary evidence is not available, such wine may
be labelled as “wine made from organic grapes”, provided that it
complies with this Standard.
c) Wine labelled as “wine made from organic grapes” cannot bear
the “Organic logo of the EU.”
889-Article
95.10a
E
7.4.7 Specific provisions for yeast production
For the production of organic yeast only organically produced
substrates shall be used.
Organic yeast shall not be present in organic food or feed together
with non-organic yeast.
With regard to the production of organic yeast14, the following
substances may be used in the production, confection and
formulation of yeast:
(1) substances listed in Annex VIII, Section C;
(2) products and substances referred to in 7.4.1.1(b) and (e) above;
834-Article 20 C
7.5 Collection, packaging, transport and storage of products
7.5.1 Collection of products and transport to preparation units
Operators may carry out simultaneous collection of organic and
non-organic products, only where appropriate measures are
taken to prevent any possible mixture or exchange with
nonorganic products and to ensure the identification of the
organic products. The operator shall keep the information
relating to collection days, hours, circuit and date and time of
reception of the products available to the control body.
889-Article 30
C
7.5.2 Packaging and transport of products to other operators or units
13 The IACB standard is in compliance with Chapter 3a of Title II of Regulations (EC) No 834/2007
and 889/2008.
14 See Article 20(1) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007;
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1. Operators shall ensure that organic products are transported to
other units, including wholesalers and retailers, only in
appropriate packaging, containers or vehicles closed in such a
manner that substitution of the content cannot be achieved
without manipulation or damage of the seal and provided with a
label stating, without prejudice to any other indications required
by law:
(a) the name and address of the operator and, where different, of
the owner or seller of the product;
(b) the name of the product or a description of the compound
feedingstuff accompanied by a reference to the organic
production method;
(c) the name and/or the code number of the control body to which
the operator is subject; and
(d) where relevant, the lot identification mark according to a
marking system either approved at national level or agreed with
the control body and which permits to link the lot with the
accounts referred to in Section 10.
The information referred to in points (a) to (d) of the first
subparagraph may also be presented on an accompanying
document, if such a document can be undeniably linked with the
packaging, container or vehicular transport of the product. This
accompanying document shall include information on the
supplier and/or the transporter.
2. The closing of packaging, containers or vehicles shall not be
required where:
(a) transportation is direct between an operator and another
operator who are both subject to the organic control system, and
(b) the products are accompanied by a document giving the
information required under paragraph 1, and
(c) both the expediting and the receiving operators shall keep
documentary records of such transport operations available for
the control body of such transport operations.
889-Article 31
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7.5.3 Reception of products from other units and other operators
On receipt of an organic product, the operator shall check the
closing of the packaging or container where it is required and the
presence of the indications provided to in 7.5.2.1.
The operator shall crosscheck the information on the label
referred to in 7.5.2.1 with the information on the accompanying
documents. The result of these verifications shall be explicitly
mentioned in the documentary accounts referred to in Section 10
of this Standard.
2. The operator shall verify the documentary evidence of his/her
suppliers.
889-Article 33
889-Article 29
C
7.5.4 Storage of products
1. For the storage of products, areas shall be managed in such a
way as to ensure identification of lots and to avoid any mixing 889-Article 35
C
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with or contamination by products and/or substances not in
compliance with the organic production rules. Organic products
shall be clearly identifiable at all times.
2. Where operators handle both non-organic products and
organic products, including organic plant, seaweed, livestock and
aquaculture animals, and the latter are stored in storage facilities
in which also other agricultural products or foodstuffs are stored:
(a) the organic products shall be kept separate from the other
agricultural products and/or foodstuffs;
(b) every measure shall be taken to ensure identification of
consignments and to avoid mixtures or exchanges with non-
organic products;
(c) suitable cleaning measures, the effectiveness of which has been
checked, have been carried out before the storage of organic
products; operators shall record these operations.
(d) The storage of allopathic veterinary medicinal products and
antibiotics is permitted on holdings provided that they have been
prescribed by a veterinarian in connection with treatment as
referred to in 6.7.25.6 or 11.7.1.f.ii, provided that they are stored in
a supervised location and that they are entered in the livestock
record as referred to in Section 10 of this Standard, or as
appropriate, in the aquaculture production records as referred to
in 10.6. 8
Production of Processed Feed
8.1 General rules
1. Production of processed organic feed shall be kept separate in
time or space from production of processed non-organic feed.
2. Organic feed materials, or feed materials from production in
conversion, shall not enter simultaneously with the same feed
materials produced by non-organic means into the composition of
the organic feed product.
3. Any feed materials used or processed in organic production
shall not have been processed with the aid of chemically
synthesised solvents.
4. Substances and techniques that reconstitute properties that are
lost in the processing and storage of organic feed, that correct the
results of negligence in the processing or that otherwise may be
misleading as to the true nature of these products shall not be
used.
834-Article 18
889-Article 22
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8.2 Transporting animal feed to other production/preparation units
or storage premises
In addition to the provisions of 7.5.2, when transporting feed to
other production or preparation units or storage premises, 889-Article 32
C
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operators shall ensure that the following conditions are met:
1. during transport, organically-produced feed, in-conversion
feed, and non-organic feed shall be effectively physically
separated;
2. the vehicles and/or containers which have transported non-
organic products are used to transport organic products provided
that:
(a) suitable cleaning measures, the effectiveness of which has
been checked, have been carried out before commencing the
transport of organic products; operators shall record these
operations,
(b) all appropriate measures are implemented, depending on the
risks to organic integrity and, where necessary, operators shall
guarantee that non-organic products cannot be placed on the
market with an indication referring to organic production, and
(c) the operator shall keep documentary records of such transport
operations available for the control body;
3. the transport of finished organic feed shall be separated
physically or in time from the transport of other finished
products;
4. during transport, the quantity of products at the start and each
individual quantity delivered in the course of a delivery round
shall be recorded. 9 Labelling
9.1 Use of terms referring to organic production
iii. 1. For the purposes of this Standard a product shall be
regarded as bearing terms referring to the organic
production method where, in the labelling,
advertising material or commercial documents, such
a product, its ingredients or feed materials are
described in terms suggesting to the purchaser that
the product, its ingredients or feed materials have
been obtained in accordance with the rules laid down
in this Standard.
In the labelling and advertising of live or unprocessed
agricultural products, terms referring to the organic production
method may be used only where, in addition, all the ingredients
of that product have also been produced in accordance with the
requirements laid down in this Standard.
2. Labelling as referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be used for a
product for which it has to be indicated in the labelling or
advertising that it contains GMOs, consists of GMOs, or is
produced from GMOs.
3. As regards processed food, the labelling referred to in
paragraph 1 may be used:
(a) in the sales description, provided that:
(i) the processed food complies with 7.1.1, 7.4.1a,b &d;
834-Article 23
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(ii) at least 95 % by weight, of its ingredients of agricultural origin
are organic;
(b) only in the list of ingredients, provided that the food complies
with 7.4;
(c) in the list of ingredients and in the same visual field as the
sales description, provided that:
(i) the main ingredient is a product of hunting and fishing
(ii) it contains other ingredients of agricultural origin that are all
organic;
(iii) the food complies with 7.1.1, 7.4.1a,b &d.
The list of ingredients shall indicate which ingredients are
organic.
In the case where points (b) and (c) of this paragraph apply, the
references to the organic production method may only appear in
relation to the organic ingredients and the list of ingredients shall
include an indication of the total percentage of organic
ingredients in proportion to the total quantity of ingredients of
agricultural origin.
The terms and the indication of percentage referred to in the
previous subparagraph shall appear in the same colour, identical
size and style of lettering as the other indications in the list of
ingredients. 9.2 Compulsory indications
1. Where terms in line with 9.1 are used:
(a) the code number of the control body to which the operator
who has carried out the most recent production or preparation
operation is subject, shall also appear in the labelling and shall be
placed in the same visual field as the Organic logo of the EU,
where the Organic logo of the EU is used in the labelling.
Note: For the model, refer to the following link
https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/downloads/logo_en
Contact your control body for the appropriate code number;
(b) from July 2010 as regards pre-packaged food the organic logo
of the EU may also appear on the packaging;
(c) from July 2010 where the organic logo of the EU is used, an
indication of the place where the agricultural raw materials of
which the product is composed have been farmed, shall also
appear in the same visual field as the logo and shall take one of
the following forms, as appropriate:
''non-EU Agriculture", where the agricultural raw material has
been farmed in third countries;
''EU/non-EU Agriculture", where part of the agricultural raw
materials has been farmed in the European Union and a part of it
has been farmed in a third country.
The above mentioned may be replaced or supplemented by a
country in the case where all agricultural raw materials of which
the product is composed have been farmed in that country.
For the above mentioned indication, small quantities by weight of
834-Article 244
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ingredients may be disregarded provided that the total quantity
of the disregarded ingredients does not exceed 2 % of the total
quantity by weight of raw materials of agricultural origin.
The above mentioned indication shall not appear in a colour, size
and style of lettering more prominent than the sales description of
the product.
2. The indications referred to in paragraph 1 shall be marked in a
conspicuous place in such a way as to be easily visible, clearly
legible and indelible. 9.3 Organic production logos
iii. 1. From July 2010 the EU organic production logo may be
used in the labelling, presentation and advertising of
products which satisfy the requirements set out
under this Standard.
The EU logo shall not be used in the case of in-conversion
products and food as referred to in 9.1.3 (b) and (c).
2. National and private logos may be used in the labelling,
presentation and advertising of products which satisfy the
requirements set out under this Standard.
834-Article 25
C
9.4 Specific labelling requirements for feed
9.4.1 Scope, use of trade marks and sales descriptions
1. This section shall not apply to pet food and feed for fur
animals.
2. The trade marks and sales descriptions bearing an indication
referred to in 9.1 may be used only if all ingredients of plant or
animal origin are from the organic production method and at
least 95% of the product’s dry matter is comprised of such
ingredients.
889-Article 59
C
9.4.2 Indications on processed feed
1. Without prejudice to 9.4.3 and 9.5.1.2, the terms referred to in
9.1 may be used on processed feed provided that:
(a) the processed feed complies all provisions of this Standard
and in particular with 6.16.4, and 6.16.5, for livestock, with
11.7.1.d and 8.1 for aquaculture animals, and 8.1 for both.
(b) the processed feed complies with the provisions of this
Standard and in particular with 6.7.20 and 7.2;
(c) all ingredients of plant or animal origin contained in the
processed feed are from organic production
(d) at least 95 % of the product’s dry matter is comprised of
organic agricultural products.
2. Subject to the requirements laid down in points (a) and (b) of
paragraph 1, the following statement is permitted in the case of
products comprising variable quantities of feed materials from
the organic production method and/or feed materials from
products in conversion to organic farming and/or non-organic
materials: ‘may be used in organic production in accordance with
Regulations (EC) 834/2007 and (EC) 889/2008’.
889-Article 60 E
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9.4.3 Conditions for the use of indications on processed feed
1. The indication provided for at 9.4.2 shall be:
(a) separate from the wording describing the product and the
manufacturer15;
(b) presented in a colour, format or character font that does not
draw more attention to it than to the description or name of the
animal feedingstuff referred to in (a) above;
(c) accompanied, in the same field of vision, by an indication by
weight of dry matter referring:
(i) to the percentage of feed material(s) from the organic
production method;
(ii) to the percentage of feed material(s) from products in
conversion to organic farming;
(iii) to the percentage of feed material(s) not covered by points (i)
and (ii);
(iv) to the total percentage of animal feed of agricultural origin;
(d) accompanied by a list of names of feed materials from the
organic production method;
(e) accompanied by a list of names of feed materials from
products in conversion to organic production.
2. The indication provided for in 9.4.2 may be also accompanied
by a reference to the requirement to use the feedingstuffs in
accordance with the requirements for in-conversion feed (6.7.19)
and for the use of certain products and substances in feed (6.7.20).
889-Article 61
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9.5 Other specific labelling requirements
9.5.1 In-conversion products of plant origin
In-conversion products of plant origin may bear the indication
‘product under conversion to organic farming’ provided that:
1. a conversion period of at least 12 months before the harvest has
been complied with;
2. the indication shall appear in a colour, size and style of
lettering which is not more prominent than the sales description
of the product, the entire indication shall have the same size of
letters;
3. the product contains only one crop ingredient of agricultural
origin;
4. the indication is linked to the code number of the control body
referred to at 9.2.
889-Article 62
C
10 Record keeping responsibilities of operators
10.1 General
1. Stock and financial records shall be kept in the unit or premises
and shall enable the operator to identify and the control body to 889-Article 66
C
15 As referred to in Article 5 of Council Directive 79/373/EEC (19) or in Article 51. of Council Directive
96/25/EC (20);
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verify:
(a) the supplier and, where different, the seller, or the exporter of
the products;
(b) the nature and the quantities of organic products delivered to
the unit and, where relevant, of all materials bought and the use
of such materials, and, where relevant, the composition of the
compound feedingstuffs;
(c) the nature and the quantities of organic products held in
storage at the premises;
(d) the nature, the quantities and the consignees and, where
different, the buyers, other than the final consumers, of any
products which have left the unit or the first consignee's premises
or storage facilities;
(e) in case of operators who do not store or physically handle
such organic products, the nature and the quantities of organic
products bought and sold, and the suppliers, and where different,
the sellers or the exporters and the buyers, and where different,
the consignees.
2. The documentary accounts shall also comprise the results of the
verification at reception of organic products and any other
information required by the control body for the purpose of
proper control. The data in the accounts shall be documented
with appropriate justification documents. The accounts shall
demonstrate the balance between the input and the output.
3. Where an operator runs several production units in the same
area, the units for non-organic products, together with storage
premises for input products must also be subject to the minimum
control requirements.
10.2 Plant production records
Plant production records shall be compiled in the form of a
register and kept available to the control bodies at all times at the
premises of the holding. In addition to 10.1, such records shall
provide at least the following information:
1. as regards the use of fertiliser: date of application, type and
amount of fertiliser, parcels concerned;
2. as regards the use of plant protection products: reason and date
of treatment, type of product, method of treatment;
3. as regards purchase of farm inputs: date, type and amount of
purchased product;
4. as regards harvest: date, type and amount of organic or in
conversion crop production.
889-Article 72
C
10.3 Seaweed production records
1. Seaweed production records shall be compiled in the form of a
register by the operator and kept available for the control
authorities or control bodies at all times at the premises of the
holding. It shall provide at least the following information:
(a) list of species, date and quantity harvested;
889-Article 73b c
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(b) date of application, type and amount of fertiliser used.
2. For collection of wild seaweed the register shall also contain:
(a) history of harvesting activity for each species in named beds;
(b) harvest estimate (volumes) per season;
(c) sources of possible pollution for harvest beds;
(d) sustainable annual yield for each bed.
10.4 Livestock records
Livestock records shall be compiled in the form of a register and
kept available to the control bodies at all times at the premises of
the holding. Such records shall provide a full description of the
herd or flock management system comprising at least the
following information:
1. as regards animals arriving at the holding: origin and date of
arrival, conversion period, identification mark and veterinary
record;
2. as regards livestock leaving the holding: age, number of heads,
weight in case of slaughter, identification mark and destination;
3. details of any animals lost and reasons thereof;
4. as regards feed: type, including feed supplements, proportions
of various ingredients of rations and periods of access to free-
range areas, periods of transhumance where restrictions apply;
5. as regards disease prevention and treatment and veterinary
care: date of treatment, details of the diagnosis, the posology;
type of treatment product, the indication of the active
pharmacological substances involved method of treatment and
veterinary prescription for veterinary care with reasons and
withdrawal periods applying before livestock products can be
marketed labelled as organic.
889-Article 76
C
10.5 Records of veterinary medicinal products for livestock
Whenever veterinary medicinal products are used, the
information according to 10.4.5 is to be declared to the control
body before the livestock or livestock products are marketed as
organically produced. Livestock treated shall be clearly identified,
individually in the case of large animals; individually, or by
batch, or by hive, in the case of poultry, small animals and bees.
889-Article 77
C
10.6 Aquaculture animal production records
The following information shall be provided by the operator in
the form of a register which shall be kept up to date and made
available for the control authorities or control bodies at all times
at the premises of the holding
(a) the origin, date of arrival and conversion period of animals
arriving at the holding:
(b) the number of lots, the age, weight and destination of animals
leaving the holding;
(c) records of escapes of fish;
(d) for fish the type and quantity of feed and in the case of carp
and related species a documentary record of the use additional
889-79b c
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feed;
(e) veterinary treatments giving details of the purpose, date of
application, method of application, type of product and
withdrawal period;
(f) disease prevention measures giving details of fallowing,
cleaning and water treatment.
10.7 Specific record requirements on beekeeping
1. A map on an appropriate scale listing the location of
hives shall be provided to the control body by the
beekeeper. Where no areas are identified in accordance
with this standard section 11.1, the beekeeper shall provide
the control body with appropriate documentation and
evidence, including suitable analyses if necessary, that the
areas accessible to his colonies meet the conditions required
in this standard.
2. The following information shall be entered in the register of the
apiary with regard to the use of feeding: type of product, dates,
quantities and hives where it is used.
3. Whenever veterinary medicinal products are to be used, the
type of product, including the indication of the active
pharmacological substance, together with details of the diagnosis,
the posology, the method of administration, the duration of the
treatment and the legal withdrawal period shall be recorded
clearly and declared to the control body before the products are
marketed as organically produced.
4. The zone where the apiary is situated shall be registered
together with the identification of the hives. The control body
shall be informed of the moving of apiaries by a deadline agreed
on with the control body.
5. Particular care shall be taken to ensure adequate extraction,
processing and storage of beekeeping products. All the measures
to comply with this requirement shall be recorded.
6. The removals of the supers and the honey extraction operations
shall be entered in the register of the apiary.
889-Article 78
C
10.8 Units processing animal feed
For the purposes of proper control of the operations, the
documentary accounts referred to in 10.1 shall include
information on the origin, nature and quantities of feed materials,
additives, sales and finished products.
889-Article 89
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11 Organic seaweed and aquaculture animal production
11.1 Production rules for seaweed
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1. The collection of wild seaweeds, naturally growing in the sea,
is considered as an organic production method if:
(a) the growing areas are of high ecological quality,16and are not
unsuitable from a health point of view.
(b) the collection does not affect the long term stability of the
natural habitat or the maintenance of the species in the collection
area.
2. The farming of seaweeds shall take place in coastal areas with
environmental and health characteristics at least equivalent to
those outlined in paragraph 1 in order to be considered organic.
In addition:
(a) sustainable practices shall be used in all stages of production,
from collection of juvenile seaweed to harvesting;
(b) to ensure that a wide gene-pool is maintained, the collection of
juvenile seaweed in the wild should take place on a regular basis
to supplement indoor culture stock;
(c) fertilisers shall not be used except in indoor facilities and only
if they have been authorised for use in organic production for this
purpose under Annex I;
834-Article 13
E
11.2 Suitability of aquatic medium and sustainable management
plan
1. Operations shall be situated in locations that are not subject to
contamination by products or substances not authorised for
organic production, or pollutants that would compromise the
organic nature of the products
2. Organic and non-organic production units shall be separated
adequately. Such separation measures shall be based on the
natural situation, separate water distribution systems, distances,
the tidal flow, the upstream and the downstream location of the
organic production unit.
3. An environmental assessment proportionate to the production
unit shall be required for all new operations applying for organic
production and producing more than 20 tonnes of aquaculture
products per year to ascertain the conditions of the production
unit and its immediate environment and likely effects of its
operation. The operator shall provide the environmental
assessment17 to the control body. If the unit has already been
subject to an equivalent assessment, then its use shall be
permitted for this purpose.
889-Article 6b
C
16 As defined by Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000,
establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, and a quality equivalent to
designated waters under Directive 2006/113/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12
December 2006 on the quality required of shellfish waters, 17
The content of the environmental assessment shall be based on Annex IV to Council Directive 85/337/EEC (*).
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4. The operator shall provide a sustainable management plan
proportionate to the production unit for aquaculture and seaweed
harvesting The plan shall be updated annually and shall detail
the environmental effects of the operation, the environmental
monitoring to be undertaken, and list measures to be taken to
minimise negative impacts on the surrounding aquatic and
terrestrial environments, including, where applicable, nutrient
discharge into the environment per production cycle or per
annum. The plan shall record the surveillance and repair of
technical equipment.
5. Aquaculture and seaweed business operators shall by
preference use renewable energy sources and re-cycle materials
and shall draw up as part of the sustainable management plan a
waste reduction schedule to be put in place at the commencement
of operations. Where possible, the use of residual heat shall be
limited to energy from renewable sources.
6. For seaweed harvesting a once-off biomass estimate shall be
undertaken at the outset.
11.3 Sustainable harvesting of wild seaweed
1. Documentary accounts shall be maintained in the unit or
premises and shall enable the operator to identify and the control
authority or control body to verify that the harvesters have
supplied only wild seaweed produced in accordance with this
organic standard.
2. Harvesting shall be carried out in such a way that the amounts
harvested do not cause a significant impact on the state of the
aquatic environment. Measures shall be taken to ensure that
seaweed can regenerate, such as harvest technique, minimum
sizes, ages, reproductive cycles or size of remaining seaweed.
3. If seaweed is harvested from a shared or common harvest area,
documentary evidence shall be available that the total harvest
complies with this organic standard.
4. With respect to 10.3.1.b and 10.3.1.c, these records must provide
evidence of sustainable management and of no long-term impact
on the harvesting areas.
889-Article 6c
E
C
E
C
11.4 Seaweed cultivation
1. Seaweed culture at sea shall only utilise nutrients naturally
occurring in the environment, or from organic aquaculture
animal production, preferably located nearby as part of a
polyculture system.
2. In facilities on land where external nutrient sources are used
the nutrient levels in the effluent water shall be verifiably the
same, or lower, than the inflowing water. Only nutrients of plant
or mineral origin and as listed in Annex I may be used.
3. Culture density or operational intensity shall be recorded and
shall maintain the integrity of the aquatic environment by
ensuring that the maximum quantity of seaweed which can be
889-Article 6d
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supported without negative effects on the environment is not
exceeded.
4. Ropes and other equipment used for growing seaweed shall be
re-used or recycled where possible.
11.5 Antifouling measures and cleaning of production equipment
and facilities
1. Bio-fouling organisms shall be removed only by physical
means or by hand and where appropriate returned to the sea at a
distance from the farm.
2. Cleaning of equipment and facilities shall be carried out by
physical or mechanical measures. Where this is not satisfactory
only substances as listed in Annex VII, Section 2 may be used.
889-Article 6e
C
11.6 Seaweed processing
1. If the final product is fresh seaweed, flushing of freshly
harvested seaweed shall use seawater. If the final product is
dehydrated seaweed, potable water may also be used for
flushing. Salt may be used for removal of moisture.
2. The use of direct flames which come in direct contact with the
seaweed shall be prohibited for drying. If ropes or other
equipment are used in the drying process they shall be free of
anti-fouling treatments and cleaning or disinfection substances
except where a product is listed in Annex VII for this use.
889-Article 29a C
11.7 Aquaculture animal production18
1. In addition to the general farm production rules laid down in
Section 6.1 of this Standard, the following rules shall apply to
aquaculture animal production:
(a) with regard to the origin of the aquaculture animals:
(i) organic aquaculture shall be based on the rearing of young
stock originating from organic broodstock and organic holdings;
(ii) when young stock from organic broodstock or holdings are
not available, non-organically produced animals may be brought
onto a holding under specific conditions;
(b) with regard to husbandry practices:
(i) personnel keeping animals shall possess the necessary basic
knowledge and skills as regards the health and the welfare needs
of the animals;
(ii) husbandry practices, including feeding, design of
installations, stocking densities and water quality shall ensure
that the developmental, physiological and behavioural needs of
animals are met;
(iii) husbandry practices shall minimise negative environmental
impact from the holding, including the escape of farmed stock;
(iv) organic animals shall be kept separate from other aquaculture
834-Article 15
C
18 This section applies mutatis mutandis to zooplankton, micro-crustaceans, rotifers, worms and other
aquatic feed animals.
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animals;
(v) transport shall ensure that the welfare of animals is
maintained;
(vi) any suffering of the animals including the time of
slaughtering shall be kept to a minimum;
(c) with regard to breeding:
(i) artificial induction of polyploidy, artificial hybridisation,
cloning and production of monosex strains, except by hand
sorting, shall not be used;
(ii) the appropriate strains shall be chosen;
(iii) species-specific conditions for broodstock management,
breeding and juvenile production shall be established;
(d) with regard to feed for fish and crustaceans:
(i) animals shall be fed with feed that meets the animal's
nutritional requirements at the various stages of its development;
(ii) the plant fraction of feed shall originate from organic
production and the feed fraction derived from aquatic animals
shall originate from sustainable exploitation of fisheries;
(iii) in the case of non-organic feed materials from plant origin,
feed materials from animal and mineral origin, feed additives,
certain products used in animal nutrition and processing aids
shall be used only if they have been authorised for use in organic
production and listed in Annex V and Annex VI;
(iv) growth promoters and synthetic amino-acids shall not be
used;
(e) with regard to bivalve molluscs and other species which are
not fed by man but feed on natural plankton:
(i) such filter-feeding animals shall receive all their nutritional
requirements from nature except in the case of juveniles reared in
hatcheries and nurseries;
(ii) they shall be grown in waters which meet the criteria for Class
A or Class B areas as defined in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No
854/2004 and found Annex II of this regulation.
(iii) the growing areas shall be of high ecological quality as
defined by Directive 2000/60/EC and Annex V and, pending its
implementation of a quality equivalent to designated waters
under Directive 2006/113/EC (for shellfish waters only);
(f) with regard to disease prevention and veterinary treatment:
(i) disease prevention shall be based on keeping the animals in
optimal conditions by appropriate siting, optimal design of the
holdings, the application of good husbandry and management
practices, including regular cleaning and disinfection of premises,
high quality feed, appropriate stocking density, and breed and
strain selection;
(ii) disease shall be treated immediately to avoid suffering to the
animal; chemically synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal
products including antibiotics may be used where necessary and
under strict conditions, when the use of phytotherapeutic,
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homeopathic and other products is inappropriate. In particular,
restrictions with respect to courses of treatment and withdrawal
periods shall be defined;
(iii) the use of immunological veterinary medicines is allowed;
(iv) treatments related to the protection of human and animal
health imposed on the basis of national legislation shall be
allowed.
(g) With regard to cleaning and disinfection, products for
cleaning and disinfection in ponds, cages, buildings and
installations, shall be used only if they have been authorised for
use in organic production under Annex VII.
E
11.8 Suitability of aquatic medium and sustainable management
plan
1. The provisions of 11.2.1 through 11.2.5 apply to aquaculture
animal production.
2. Defensive and preventive measures taken against predators19
shall be recorded in the sustainable management plan.
3. Verifiable coordination shall take place with the neighbouring
operators in drawing up their management plans where
applicable.
4. For aquaculture animal production in fishponds, tanks or
raceways, farms shall be equipped with either natural filter beds,
settlement ponds, biological filters or mechanical filters to collect
waste nutrients or use seaweeds and/or animals (bivalves and
algae) which contribute to improving the quality of the effluent.
Effluent monitoring shall be carried out at regular intervals where
appropriate.
889-Article 25b
C
11.9 Simultaneous production of organic and non-organic
aquaculture animals
1. The control body may permit hatcheries and nurseries to rear
both organic and non-organic juveniles in the same holding
provided there is clear physical separation between the units and
a separate water distribution system exists.
2. In case of grow-out production, the control body may permit
organic and non-organic aquaculture animal production units on
the same holding provided 11.2.2 of this Standard is complied
with and where different production phases and different
handling periods of the aquaculture animals are involved.
3. Operators shall keep documentary evidence of the use of
provisions referred to in this paragraph.
889-Article 25c
C
11.10 Origin of aquaculture animals
1. Locally grown species shall be used and breeding shall aim to
give strains which are more adapted to farming conditions, good
health and good utilisation of feed resources. Documentary
889-Article
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19 As per Council Directive 92/43/EEC (*) and national rules.
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evidence of their origin and treatment shall be provided for the
control body.
2. Species shall be chosen which can be farmed without causing
significant damage to wild stocks.
25d.1
11.11 Origin and management of non-organic aquaculture animals
1. For breeding purposes or for improving genetic stock and
when organic aquaculture animals are not available, wild caught
or non-organic aquaculture animals may be brought into a
holding. Such animals shall be kept under organic management
for at least three months before they may be used for breeding.
2. When organic aquaculture juvenile animals are not available
non-organic aquaculture juveniles may be brought into a holding.
At least the latter two thirds of the duration of the production
cycle shall be managed under organic management.
3. The maximum percentage of non-organic aquaculture juveniles
introduced to the farm shall be: 50 % by 31 December 2014 and 0
% by 31 December 2016.
4. The collection of wild aquaculture juveniles is specifically
restricted to the following cases:
(a) natural influx of fish or crustacean larvae and juveniles when
filling ponds, containment systems and enclosures;
(b) European glass eel, provided that an approved eel
management plan is in place for the location and artificial
reproduction of eel remains unsolved.
(c) the collection of wild fry of species other than European eel for
on-growing in traditional extensive aquaculture farming inside
wetlands, such as brackish water ponds, tidal areas and costal
lagoons, closed by levees and banks, provided that:
(i) the restocking is in line with management measures
approved by the relevant authorities in charge of the
management of the fish stocks in question to ensure the
sustainable exploitation of the species concerned, and
(ii) the fish are fed exclusively with feed naturally available in
the environment
889-Article 25e
C
11.12 Aquaculture husbandry rules
1. The husbandry environment of the aquaculture animals shall
be designed in such a way that, in accordance with their species
specific needs, the aquaculture animals shall:
(a) have sufficient space for their wellbeing;
(b) be kept in water of good quality with sufficient oxygen levels;
(c) be kept in temperature and light conditions in accordance with
the requirements of the species and having regard to the
geographic location;
(d) in the case of freshwater fish, the bottom type shall be as close
as possible to natural conditions; and
(e) in the case of carp, the bottom shall be natural earth.
2. Stocking density and husbandry practices are set out in Annex
889-Article 25f
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X by species or group of species. In considering the effects of
stocking density and husbandry practices on the welfare of
farmed fish, the condition of the fish (such as fin damage, other
injuries, growth rate, behaviour expressed and overall health) and
the water quality shall be monitored.
3. The design and construction of aquatic containment systems
shall provide flow rates and physiochemical parameters that
safeguard the animals’ health and welfare and provide for their
behavioural needs.
4. Containment systems shall be designed, located and operated
to minimise the risk of escape incidents.
5. If fish or crustaceans escape, appropriate action must be taken
to reduce the impact on the local ecosystem, including recapture,
where appropriate. Documentary evidence shall be maintained.
11.13 Specific rules for aquatic containment systems
1. Closed recirculation aquaculture animal production facilities
are prohibited, with the exception of hatcheries and nurseries or
for the production of species used for organic feed organisms.
2. Rearing units on land shall meet the following conditions:
(a) for flow-through systems it must be possible to monitor and
control the flow rate and water quality of both in-flowing and
out-flowing water;
(b) at least 5% of the perimeter (“land-water interface”) area shall
have natural vegetation.
3. Containment systems at sea shall:
(a) be located where water flow, depth and water-body exchange
rates are adequate to minimise the impact on the seabed and the
surrounding water body; and
(b) have suitable cage design, construction and maintenance with
regard to their exposure to the operating environment.
4. Artificial heating or cooling of water shall only be permitted in
hatcheries and nurseries. Natural borehole water may be used to
heat or cool water at all stages of production.
889-Article 25g
C
11.14 Management of aquaculture animals
1. Handling of aquaculture animals shall be minimised,
undertaken with the greatest care and proper equipment and
protocols used to avoid stress and physical damage associated
with handling procedures. Broodstock shall be handled in a
manner to minimise physical damage and stress and under
anaesthesia where appropriate. Grading operations shall be kept
to a minimum and as required to ensure fish welfare.
2. The following restrictions shall apply to the use of artificial
light:
(a) for prolonging natural day-length it shall not exceed a
maximum that respects the ethological needs, geographical
conditions and general health of farmed animals, this maximum
shall not exceed 16 hours per day, except for reproductive
889-Article 25h
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purposes;
(b) Abrupt changes in light intensity shall be avoided at the
changeover time by the use of dimmable lights or background
lighting.
3. Aeration is permitted to ensure animal welfare and health,
under the condition that mechanical aerators are preferably
powered by renewable energy sources. All such use is to be
recorded in the aquaculture production record.
4. The use of oxygen is only permitted for uses linked to animal
health requirements and critical periods of production or
transport, in the following cases:
(a) exceptional cases of temperature rise or drop in atmospheric
pressure or accidental pollution,
(b) occasional stock management procedures such as sampling
and sorting,
(c) in order to assure the survival of the farm stock.
Documentary evidence shall be maintained.
5. Slaughter techniques shall render fish immediately
unconscious and insensible to pain. Differences in harvesting
sizes, species, and production sites must be taken into account
when considering optimal slaughtering methods.
11.15 Breeding – prohibition of hormones
The use of hormones and hormone derivatives is prohibited. 889-Article 25i C
11.16 Feed for fish, crustaceans and echinoderms-general
Feeding regimes shall be designed with the following priorities:
1. animal health;
2. high product quality, including the nutritional composition
which shall ensure high quality of the final edible product;
3. low environmental impact;
889-Article 25j
C
11.17 Specific rules on feeds for carnivorous aquaculture animals
1. Feed for carnivorous aquaculture animals shall be sourced with
the following priorities:
(a) organic feed products of aquaculture origin;
(b) fish meal and fish oil from organic aquaculture trimmings;
(c) fish meal and fish oil and ingredients of fish origin derived
from trimmings of fish already caught for human consumption in
sustainable fisheries;
(d) organic feed materials of plant origin and of animal origin as
listed in Annex V and the restriction laid down therein are
complied with.
(e) feed products derived from whole fish caught in fisheries
certified as sustainable or conservational under a national or
regional scheme recognised by the respective country.
3. The feed ration may comprise a maximum of 60 % organic
plant products.
4. Astaxanthin derived primarily from organic sources, such as
organic crustacean shells may be used in the feed ration for
889-Article 25k
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salmon and trout within the limit of their physiological needs. If
organic sources are not available natural sources of astaxanthin
(such as Phaffia yeast) may be used.
5. Histidine produced through fermentation may be used in the
feed ration for salmonid fish when the feed sources listed in
paragraph 1 do not provide a sufficient amount of histidine to
meet the dietary needs of the fish and prevent the formation of
cataracts.
11.18 Specific rules on feeds for certain aquaculture animals
1. In the grow-out stages, aquaculture animals as referred to in
Annex X, Section 6, Section 7 and Section 9 shall be fed with feed
naturally available in ponds and lakes.
2. Where natural feed resources are not available in sufficient
quantities as referred to in paragraph 1, organic feed of plant
origin, preferably grown on the farm itself or seaweed may be
used. Operators shall keep documentary evidence of the need to
use additional feed.
3. Where natural feed is supplemented according to paragraph 2:
(a) the feed ration of siamese catfish (Pangasius spp.) as referred
to in section 9 of Annex X may comprise a maximum of 10 %
fishmeal or fish oil derived from sustainable fisheries.
(b) the feed ration of penaeid shrimps and freshwater prawns
(Macrobrachium spp.) referred to in Section 7 of Annex X may
comprise a maximum of 25% fishmeal and 10% fish oil derived
from sustainable fisheries. In order to secure the quantitative
dietary needs of those shrimps and prawns, organic cholesterol
may be used to supplement their diets. Where organic cholesterol
is not available, non-organic cholesterol derived from wool,
shellfish or other sources may be used. The option to supplement
their diet with cholesterol applies both in the grow-out stage and
in earlier life stages in nurseries and hatcheries.
889-Article 25l
C
11.18
a Specific rules on feeds for organic juveniles
In the larval rearing of organic juveniles, conventional
phytoplankton and zooplankton may be used as feed 1358-2014-
Article 25la
C
11.19 Products and substances as referred to in Article 15(1)(d)(iii) of
Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
1. Feed materials of animal and mineral origin may be used in
organic aquaculture, only if listed in Annex V.
2. Feed additives, certain products used in animal nutrition and
processing aids may be used if listed in Annex VI and the
restrictions laid down therein are complied with.
889-Article
25m
C
11.20 Specific rules for molluscs
11.20.
1 Growing area
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1. Bivalve mollusc farming may be carried out in the same area of
water as organic finfish and seaweed farming in a polyculture
system to be documented in the sustainable management plan.
Bivalve molluscs may also be grown together with gastropod
molluscs, such as periwinkles, in polyculture.
2. Organic bivalve mollusc production shall take place within
areas delimited by posts, floats or other clear markers and shall, as
appropriate, be restrained by net bags, cages or other man made
means.
3. Organic shellfish farms shall minimise risks to species of
conservation interest. If predator nets are used their design shall
not permit diving birds to be harmed
889-Article 25n
C
11.20.
2 Sourcing of seed
1. Provided that there is no significant damage to the environment
and if permitted by local legislation, wild seed from outside the
boundaries of the production unit can be used in the case of
bivalve shellfish provided it comes from:
(a) settlement beds which are unlikely to survive winter weather
or are surplus to requirements, or
(b) natural settlement of shellfish seed on collectors.
Records shall be kept of how, where and when wild seed was
collected to allow traceability back to the collection area.
However, the maximum percentage of seed from non-organic
bivalve shellfish hatcheries may be introduced to the organic
production units with the following maximum percentages: 50 %
by 31 December 2014 and 0 % by 31 December 2016.
2. For the cupped oyster, Crassostrea gigas, preference shall be
given to stock which is selectively bred to reduce spawning in the
wild.
889-Article 25o
C
11.20.
3 Management
1. Production shall use a stocking density not in excess of that used
for non-organic shellfish in the locality. Sorting, thinning and
stocking density adjustments shall be made according to the
biomass and to ensure animal welfare and high product quality.
2. Biofouling organisms shall be removed by physical means or by
hand and where appropriate returned to the sea away from
shellfish farms. Shellfish may be treated once during the
production cycle with a lime solution to control competing fouling
organisms.
889-Article 25p
C
11.20.
4 Cultivation rules
1. Cultivation on mussel ropes and other methods listed in Annex
X, Section 8 may be eligible for organic production.
2. Bottom cultivation of molluscs is only permitted where no
significant environmental impact is caused at the collection and
889-Article 25q
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growing sites. The evidence of minimal environmental impact
shall be supported by a survey and report on the exploited area to
be provided by the operator to the control body or control
authority. The report shall be added as a separate chapter to the
sustainable management plan.
11.20.
5 Specific cultivation rules for oysters
Cultivation in bags on trestles is permitted. These or other
structures in which the oysters are contained shall be set out, so as
to avoid the formation of a total barrier along the shoreline. Stock
shall be positioned carefully on the beds in relation to tidal flow to
optimise production. Production shall meet the criteria listed in
the Annex X, Section 8.
889-Article 25r
C
11.21 Disease prevention and veterinary treatment
11.21.
1 General rules on disease prevention
1. The animal health management plan in conformity with Article
9 of Directive 2006/88/EC shall detail biosecurity and disease
prevention practices including a written agreement for health
counselling, proportionate to the production unit, with qualified
aquaculture animal health services who shall visit the farm at a
frequency of not less than once per year and not less than once
every two years in the case of bivalve shellfish.
2. Holding systems, equipment and utensils shall be properly
cleaned and disinfected. Only products listed in Annex VII,
Sections 2.1 to 2.2 may be used.
3. With regard to fallowing:
(a) The control body shall determine whether fallowing is
necessary and the appropriate duration which shall be applied and
documented after each production cycle in open water
containment systems at sea. Fallowing is also recommended for
other production methods using tanks, fishponds, and cages;
(b) it shall not be mandatory for bivalve mollusc cultivation;
(c) during fallowing the cage or other structure used for
aquaculture animal production is emptied, disinfected and left
empty before being used again.
4. Where appropriate, uneaten fish-feed, faeces and dead animals
shall be removed promptly to avoid any risk of significant
environmental damage as regards water status quality, minimise
disease risks, and to avoid attracting insects or rodents.
5. Ultraviolet light and ozone may be used only in hatcheries and
nurseries.
6. For biological control of ectoparasites, preference shall be given
to the use of cleaner fish and to the use of freshwater, marine
water and sodium chloride solutions.
889-Article 25s
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11.21.
2 Veterinary treatments
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1. When despite preventive measures to ensure animal health, a
health problem arises, veterinary treatments may be used in the
following order of preference:
(a) substances from plants, animals or minerals in a homoeopathic
dilution;
(b) plants and their extracts not having anaesthetic effects, and
(c) substances such as: trace elements, metals, natural immuno-
stimulants or authorised probiotics.
2. The use of allopathic treatments is limited to two courses of
treatment per year, with the exception of vaccinations and
compulsory eradication schemes. However, in the cases of a
production cycle of less than a year a limit of one allopathic
treatment applies. If the mentioned limits for allopathic treatments
are exceeded the concerned aquaculture animals can not be sold as
organic products.
3. The use of parasite treatments, not including compulsory
control schemes operated by respective national or regional
authorities shall be limited to twice per year or once per year
where the production cycle is less than 18 months.
4. The withdrawal period for allopathic veterinary treatments and
parasite treatments according to paragraph 3 including treatments
under compulsory control and eradication schemes shall be twice
the legal withdrawal period as referred to in Article 11 of Directive
2001/82/EC (this Article defines that “Unless the medicinal product
used indicates a withdrawal period for the species concerned, the
specified withdrawal period shall not be less than: 7 days for eggs;
7 days for milk; 28 days for meat from poultry and mammals
including fat and offal; 500 degree-days for fish meat”) or in a case
in which this period in not specified 48 hours.
5. Whenever veterinary medicinal products are used, such use is to
be declared to the control body or the control authority before the
animals are marketed as organic. Treated stock shall be clearly
identifiable.
889-Article 25t
C
11.22 Transport of live fish
1. Live fish shall be transported in suitable tanks with clean water
which meets their physiological needs in terms of temperature and
dissolved oxygen.
2. Before transport of organic fish and fish products, tanks shall be
thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and rinsed.
3. Precautions shall be taken to reduce stress. During transport, the
density shall not reach a level which is detrimental to the species.
4. Documentary evidence shall be maintained for paragraphs 1 to
3.
889-Article 32a.
C
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12. Annexes
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Fertilisers, soil conditioners and nutrients referred to in 6.4.4
Note:
authorised under Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 and carried over by Article 16(3)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
B: authorised under Regulation (EC) No 834/2007
Authorisation Name
Compound products or products
containing only materials listed hereunder:
Description, compositional requirements,
conditions for use
A Farmyard manure Product comprising a mixture of animal
excrements and vegetable matter (animal
bedding).
Factory farming origin forbidden
A Dried farmyard manure and dehydrated
poultry manure
Factory farming origin forbidden
A
Composted animal excrements, including
poultry manure and composted farmyard
manure included
Factory farming origin forbidden
A Liquid animal excrements Use after controlled fermentation and/or
appropriate dilution
Factory farming origin forbidden
B Composted or fermented mixture of
household waste
Product obtained from source separated
household waste, which has been
submitted to composting or to anaerobic
fermentation for biogas production
Only vegetable and animal household
waste
Only when produced in a closed and
monitored collection system, Maximum
concentrations in mg/kg of dry matter:
cadmium: 0,7; copper: 70; nickel: 25; lead:
45; zinc: 200; mercury: 0,4; chromium
(total): 70; chromium (VI): not detectable
A Peat Use limited to horticulture (market
gardening, floriculture,
arboriculture, nursery)
A Mushroom culture wastes The initial composition of the substrate
shall be limited to products of this Annex
A Dejecta of worms (vermicompost) and
insects
A Guano
A Composted or fermented mixture of
vegetable matter
Product obtained from mixtures of
vegetable matter, which have been
submitted to composting or to anaerobic
fermentation for biogas production
B Biogas digestate containing
animal by-products co-digested
with material of plant or
animal origin as listed in this
Annex
Animal by-products (including by-
products of wild animals) of category 3
and digestive tract content of category 2
(defined in Art.7 of this Regulation) (*)
must not be from factory farming origin.
The Processes have to be in accordance
with Commission Regulation (EU) No
142/2011 (**)
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Authorisation Name
Compound products or products
containing only materials listed hereunder:
Description, compositional requirements,
conditions for use
Not to be applied to edible parts of the
crop
(*) as defined in Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009
laying down health
rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation
(EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation) (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 1).
(**) Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 of 25 February 2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the
European Parliament and of the Council laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not
intended for human consumption and implementing Council Directive 97/78/EC as regards certain samples and items
exempt from veterinary checks at the border under that Directive (OJ L 54, 26.2.2011, p. 1).’;
B Products or by-products of animal origin
as below:
blood meal
hoof meal
horn meal
bone meal or degelatinised bone
meal
fish meal
meat meal
feather, hair and ‘chiquette’ meal
wool
fur (1)
Hair
dairy products
hydrolised proteins (2)
(1) Maximum concentration in mg/kg of
dry matter of
chromium (VI): not detectable
(2) Not to be applied to edible parts of the
crop’
A Products and by-products of plant origin
for fertilisers
Examples: oilseed cake meal, cocoa husks,
malt culms
A Seaweeds and seaweed products As far as directly obtained by:
(i) physical processes including
dehydration, freezing and
grinding
(ii) extraction with water or aqueous acid
and/or alkaline
solution
(iii) fermentation
A Sawdust and wood chips Wood not chemically treated after felling
A Composted bark Wood not chemically treated after felling
A Wood ash From wood not chemically treated after
felling
A Soft ground rock phosphate Product as specified in point 7 of Annex
IA.2. to Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003 of
the European Parliament and of the
Council (1) relating to fertilisers 7
Cadmium content less than or equal to 90
mg/kg of P205
A Aluminium-calcium phosphate Product as specified in point 6 of Annex
IA.2. of Regulation 2003/2003,
Cadmium content less than or equal to 90
mg/kg of P205
Use limited to basic soils (pH > 7,5)
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Authorisation Name
Compound products or products
containing only materials listed hereunder:
Description, compositional requirements,
conditions for use
A Basic slag Products as specified in point 1 of Annex
IA.2. of Regulation 2003/2003
A Crude potassium salt or kainit Products as specified in point 1 of Annex
IA.3. of Regulation 2003/2003
A Potassium sulphate, possibly containing
magnesium salt
Product obtained from crude potassium
salt by a physical extraction process,
containing possibly also magnesium salts
A Stillage and stillage extract Ammonium stillage excluded
A Calcium carbonate (chalk, marl, ground
limestone, Breton ameliorant, (maerl),
phosphate chalk)
Only of natural origin
A Magnesium and calcium carbonate Only of natural origin e.g. magnesian
chalk, ground magnesium, limestone
A Magnesium sulphate (kieserite) Only of natural origin
A Calcium chloride solution Foliar treatment of apple trees, after
identification of deficit of calcium
A Calcium sulphate (gypsum) Products as specified in point 1 of Annex
ID. of Regulation 2003/2003
Only of natural origin
A Industrial lime from sugar production By-product of sugar production from
sugar beet
A Industrial lime from vacuum salt
production
By-product of the vacuum salt production
from brine found in mountains
A Elemental sulphur Products as specified in Annex ID.3 of
Regulation 2003/2003
A Trace elements Inorganic micronutrients listed in part E of
Annex I to Regulation 2003/2003
A Sodium chloride Only mined salt
A Stone meal and clays
B Leonardite (Raw organic sediment
rich in humic acids)
Only if obtained as a by-product of mining
activities
B Xylite Only if obtained as by-product of mining
activities (e.g. by-product of brown coal
mining)
B Chitin (Polysaccharide obtained
from the shell of crustaceans) Only if obtained from sustainable fisheries
in which the exploitation of stock is done
in such way, so that it does not have a
negative impact on the marine ecosystems
and does not prejudice the future
exploitation of the stock (*) or organic
aquaculture
B Organic rich sediment from
fresh water bodies formed
under exclusion of oxygen
Only organic sediments that are by-
products of fresh water body management
or extracted from former freshwater
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Authorisation Name
Compound products or products
containing only materials listed hereunder:
Description, compositional requirements,
conditions for use
(e.g. sapropel) Areas. When applicable, extraction should
be done in a way to cause minimal impact
on the aquatic system.
Only sediments derived from sources free
from contaminations of pesticides,
persistent organic pollutants and
petrol like substances.
Maximum concentrations in mg/kg of dry
matter: cadmium: 0,7; copper: 70; nickel:
25; lead: 45; zinc: 200; mercury: 0,4;
chromium (total): 70; chromium (VI): not
Detectable.
(*) as defined in Article 3(e) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and
sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy (OJ L 358, 31.12.2012, p. 59).’;
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Annex II
Plant protection products referred to in 6.5.1
All the substances listed in this Annex have to comply at least with the conditions for use as
specified in the Annex to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 (1). More
restrictive conditions for use for organic production are specified in the second column of each
table.
1. Substances of crop or animal origin
Name Description, compositional requirement, conditions for use
Allium sativum (Garlic extract)
Azadirachtin extracted from Azadirachta
indica (Neem tree)
Insecticide
Basic substances Only those basic substances within the meaning of Article
23(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European
Parliament and of the Council (1) that are covered by the
definition of “foodstuff” in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No
178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2)
and have plant or animal origin. Substances not to be used
as herbicides, but only for the control of pests and diseases
Beeswax Pruning agent/wound protectant
COS-OGA
Hydrolysed proteins excluding gelatine
Laminarin Kelp shall be either grown organically in accordance with
11.3 and 11.4
Pheromones Only in traps and dispensers
Plant oils All uses authorized, except herbicide
Pyrethrins extracted from Chrysanthemum
cinerariaefolium
Pyrethroids (only deltamethrin or
lambdacyhalothrin)
Only in traps with specific attractants; only against
Bactrocera oleae and Ceratitis capitata Wied.
Quassia extracted from Quassia amara Insecticide, repellent
Repellents by smell of animal or plant
origin/ sheep fat
Only on non-edible parts of the crop and where crop
material is not ingested by sheep or goats.
Salix spp. Cortex (aka willow bark
extract)
2. Micro-organisms or substances produced by micro-organisms
Name Description, compositional requirement, conditions for use
Micro-organisms Not from GMO origin
Spinosad
3. Substances other than those mentioned in Sections 1 and 2F
Name Description, compositional requirement, conditions for use
Aluminium silicate (Kaolin)
Calcium hydroxide When used as fungicide, only in fruit trees, including
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nurseries, to control Nectria galligena.
Carbon dioxide
Copper compounds in the form of copper
hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper
oxide, Bordeaux mixture, and tribasic
copper sulphate
Only uses as fungicide up to 6 kg copper per ha per year.
For perennial crops, by way of derogation from the first
paragraph, the control bodies may allow the 6 kg copper
limit to be exceeded in a given year provided that the
average quantity actually used over a 5-year period
consisting of that year and of the 4 preceding years does
not exceed 6 kg.
Ethylene Only indoor uses as plant growth regulator may be
authorised. Authorisations shall be limited to professional
users.
Fatty acids All uses authorised, except herbicide
Ferric phosphate (iron (III)
orthophosphate)
Preparations to be surface- spread between cultivated
plants
Kieselgur (diatomaceous earth)
Lime sulphur (calcium polysulphide)
Paraffin oil
Potassium and sodium hydrogen carbonate
(aka potassium bicarbonate)
Quartz sand
Sulphur
Article 23 Approval criteria for basic substances of EC 1107/2009, “(1) Basic substances shall be approved in
accordance with paragraphs 2 to 6. By way of derogation from Article 5 (defining that approval of the
substance is for 10 years), the approval shall be for an unlimited period. For the purpose of paragraphs 2 to 6,
basic substance is an active substance which: a) is not a substance of concern; b) does not have an inherent
capacity to cause endocrine disrupting, neurotoxic or immunotoxic effects; and c) is not predominantly
used for plant protection purposes but nevertheless is useful in plant protection either directly or in a
product consisting of the substance and a simple dilutent; d) is not placed on the market as a plant
protection product.
For the purpose of this Regulation an active substance which fulfils the criteria of a foodstuff as defined in
Article 2 of Regulation EC 178/2002 shall be considered as a basic substance.”
Regulation EC 178/2002, Article 2 Definition of food:
For the purposes of this Regulation, ‘food’ (or ‘foodstuff’) means any substance or product, whether
processed, partially processed or unprocessed, intended to be, or reasonably expected to be ingested by
humans.
‘Food’ includes drink, chewing gum and any substance, including water, intentionally incorporated into
the food during its manufacture, preparation or treatment. It includes water after the point of compliance
as defined in Article 6 of Directive 98/83/EC and without prejudice to the requirements of Directives
80/778/EEC and 98/83/EC. ‘Food’ shall not include: (a) feed; (b) live animals unless they are prepared for
placing on the market for human consumption; (c) plants prior to harvesting; (d) medicinal products
within the meaning of Council Directives 65/65/EEC (1) and 92/73/EEC (2); (e) cosmetics within the
meaning of Council Directive 76/768/EEC (3); (f) tobacco and tobacco products within the meaning of
Council Directive 89/622/EEC (4); (g) narcotic or psychotropic substances within the meaning of the United
Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, and the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic
Substances, 1971; (h) residues and contaminants.
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Annex III
Minimum surface areas indoors and outdoors and other characteristics of housing
in the different species and types of production referred to in 6.7.12
1. Bovines, equidae, ovine, caprine and porcine Indoors area (net area available to animals) Outdoors area
(exercise area, excluding
pasturage)
Breeding and fattening
bovine
and equidae
Live weight
minimum (kg)
M2/head M2/head
up to 100 1.5 1.1
up to 200 2.5 1.9
up to 350 4 3
over 350 5 with a minimum of
1 m2/100 kg
3,7 with a minimum of
0,75 m2/100 kg
Dairy cows 6 4.5
Bulls for breeding 10 30
Sheep and goats 1.5 sheep/goat 2.5
0.35 lamb/kid 0.5
Farrowing sows with
piglets up
to 40 days
7.5 sow 2.5
Fattening pigs up to 50 0.8 0.6
up to 85 1.1 0.8
up to 110 1.3 1
over 110 1.5 1.2
Piglets over 40 days and up
to 30 kg
0.6 0.4
Brood pigs 2,5 female 1.9
6 male
If pens are used for
natural
service: 10 m2/boar
8.0
2. Poultry
Indoors area (net area available to animals) Outdoors area
(m2 of area available in
rotation/head) No animals/m2 cm
perch/animal
nest
Laying hens 6 18 7 laying hens
per nest or in
case of
common nest
120 cm2/bird
4, provided that the limit
of 170 kg of N/ha/year is
not exceeded
Fattening poultry (in
fixed housing)
10 with a
maximum
of 21 kg
liveweight/m2
20 (for guinea
fowl only)
4 broilers and guinea
fowl
4,5 ducks
10 turkey
15 geese
In all the species
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mentioned above the
limit of 170 kg of
N/ha/year is not
exceeded
Fattening poultry in
mobile housing
16 (1) in mobile
poultry houses
with a
maximum of
30 kg
liveweight/
m2
2.5, provided that the
limit of 170 kg
of N/ha/year is not
exceeded
(1) Only in the case of mobile houses not exceeding 150 m2 floor space.
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Annex IV
Maximum number of animals per hectare referred to in 6.7.6
Class or species
Maximum number of animals per ha equivalent to
170 kg N/ha/year
Equines over six months old 2
Calves for fattening 5
Other bovine animals less than one year old 5
Male bovine animals from one to less than two years old 3.3
Female bovine animals from one to less than two years
old
3.3
Male bovine animals two years old or over 2
Breeding heifers 2.5
Heifers for fattening 2.5
Dairy cows 2
Cull dairy cows 2
Other cows 2.5
Female breeding rabbits 100
Ewes 13.3
Goats 13.3
Piglets 74
Breeding sows 6.5
Pigs for fattening 14
Other pigs 14
Table chickens 580
Laying hens 230
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Annex V
Feed materials referred to in 6.7.20
1. FEED MATERIALS OF MINERAL ORIGIN
3.1. Sodium:
— sodium sulphate
— sodium carbonate
— sodium bicarbonate
— sodium chloride
3.2. Potassium:
— potassium chloride
3.3. Calcium:
— lithotamnion and maerl
- Calcareous marine shells
— calcium carbonate
— calcium gluconate
3.4. Phosphorus:
— defluorinated dicalcium phosphate
— defluorinated monocalcium phosphate
— monosodium phosphate
- calcium magnesium phosphate
— calcium-sodium phosphate
3.5. Magnesium:
— magnesium oxide (anhydrous magnesia)
— magnesium sulphate
— magnesium chloride
— magnesium carbonate
— magnesium phosphate
2 OTHER FEED MATERIALS
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces carlsbergiensis
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Annex VI
Feed additives and certain substances used in animal nutrition referred to in 6.7.20
1. FEED ADDITIVES
Additives listed must have been authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and
of the Council (1) on additives for use in animal nutrition.
1.1. Nutritional additives
3a Vitamins and pro vitamins
— Vitamins derived from agricultural products
— Synthetic vitamins identical to vitamins derived from agricultural products may be used for
monogastric and aquaculture animals;
— Synthetic vitamins A, D, and E identical to vitamins derived from agricultural products may be used
for ruminants with prior authorization by the control body based on the assessment of the possibility for organic
ruminants to obtain the necessary quantities of the said vitamins through their feed rations.
(b) Trace elements
E1 Iron:
— ferrous carbonate
— ferrous sulphate monohydrate and/or heptahydrate
— ferric oxide;
3b201 Potassium iodide
3b202 Calcium iodate, anhydrous
3b203 Coated granulated calcium iodate anhydrous
3b301 Cobalt (II) acetate tetrahydrate
3b302 Cobalt (II) carbonate
3b303 Cobalt (II) carbonate hydroxide (2:3)monohydrate
3b304 Coated granulated cobalt (II) carbonate
3b305 Cobalt (II) sulphate heptahydrate
E4 Copper
- Basic cupric carbonate, monohydrate
- Cupric oxide
- Cupric sulphate pentahydrate
3b409 Dicopper chloride trihydroxide (TBCC)
E5 Manganese
- Manganous oxide
- Manganous sulfate, monohydrate
- Manganous carbonate
E6 Zinc
- Zinc oxide
- Zinc sulphate monohydrate
- Zinc sulphate heptahydrate
3b609 Zinc chloride hydroxide monohydrate (TBZC)
E7 Molybdenum:
—sodium molybdate;
E8 Selenium:
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- sodium selenate
- sodium selenite
3b8.10, 3b8.11, 3b8.12, 3b813 and 3b817
- Selenised yeast inactivated
1.2. Zoo-technical additives
4a, 4b, 4c and 4d
Enzymes and micro-organisms in the category of “Zootechnical additives”
1.3. Technological additives
(a) Preservatives
E 200 Sorbic acid
E 236 Formic acid
E 237 Sodium formate
E 260 Acetic acid
E 270 Lactic acid
E 280 Propionic acid
E 330 Citric acid.
(b) Antioxidant substances
1b 306 (i) — Tocopherol extracts from vegetable oils
1b 306(ii) – Tocopherol-rich extracts from vegetable oils (delta rich)
c) Emulsifying and stabilising agents, thickeners and gelling agents
E322 – Lecithin if derived from organic raw material. Use restricted to aquaculture animal feed.
(d) Binders and anti-caking agents
E 535 Sodium ferrocyanide, maximum dose rate of 20mg/kg NaCl calculated as ferrocynide anion
E 551b Colloidal silica
E 551c Kieselgur (diatomaceous earth, purified)
1m 558i Bentonite-montmorillonite
E 559 Kaolinitic clays, free of asbestos
E 560 Natural mixtures of stearites and chlorite
E 561 Vermiculite
E 562 Sepiolite
E566 Natrolite- phonolite
1g568 Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin
E 599 Perlite
(e) Silage additives
1k Enzyme and micro-organisms - Use restricted to production of silage when weather conditions do not allow
for adequate fermentation
1.4 Sensory Additives
2b Flavouring compounds - Only when extracted from agricultural products.
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Annex VII
Products for cleaning and disinfection
1. PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION OF BUILDINGS AND INSTALLATIONS FOR
ANIMAL PRODUCTION REFERRED TO IN 6.7.4 Potassium and sodium soap
Water and steam
Milk of lime
Lime
Quicklime
Sodium hypochlorite (e.g. as liquid bleach)
Caustic soda
Caustic potash
Hydrogen peroxide
Natural essences of plants
Citric, peracetic acid, formic, lactic, oxalic and acetic acid
Alcohol
Nitric acid (dairy equipment)
Phosporic acid (dairy equipment)
Formaldehyde
Cleaning and disinfection products for teats and milking facilities
Sodium carbonate
2. PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTION FOR AQUACULTURE ANIMALS AND
SEAWEED PRODUCTION REFERRED TO IN 7.4.3; 11.5; 11.6; 11.7; 11.21.1
2.1 Substances for cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities in the absence of aquaculture
animals may contain the following active substances:
Ozone
sodium chloride
sodium hypochlorite
calcium hypochlorite
calcium hydroxide
calcium oxide
caustic soda
alcohol
hydrogen peroxide
organic acids (acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid)
humic acid
peroxyacetic acids
peracetic and peroctanoic acids
iodophores (only in the presence of eggs) potassium permanganate
tea seed cake made of natural camellia seed (use restricted to shrimp production)
mixtures of potassium peroxomonosulphate and sodium chloride producing hypochlorous acid
2.2 Limited list of substances for use in the presence aquaculture animals may contain the following active
substances:
limestone (calcium carbonate) for pH control
dolomite for pH correction (use restricted to shrimp production)
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Annex VIII
Certain products and substances for use in production of processed organic food,
yeast and yeast products referred to in 7.4.1
SECTION A — FOOD ADDITIVES, INCLUDING CARRIERS
For the purpose of the calculation referred to in 7.4.1 food additives marked with an asterisk in the column of the
code number, shall be calculated as ingredients of agricultural origin.
Code Name Preparation of foodstuffs of Specific conditions
plant origin animal origin
E153 vegetable carbon x Ashy goat cheese
Morbier chees
E160b* annatto, bixin,
norbixin
x Red Leicester cheese
Double Gloucester cheese
Cheddar
Mimolette cheese
E170 calcium carbonate x x Shall not be used for colouring or
calcium enrichment of products
E220 or
E224
sulphur dioxide
Potassium
metabisulphite
x
x
X (only for
mead)
X (only for
mead)
In fruit wines (*) and mead with
and without added sugar: 100
mg(**)
* in this context "fruit wine" is
defined as wine made from fruits
other than grapes
** maximum levels available from
all sources, expressed as SO2 in
mg/l.
E223 Sodium
metabisulphite
x crustaceans
E250 or
E252
sodium nitrite
potassium nitrate
x
x
For meat products1
For E 250: indicative ingoing
amount expressed as NaNO2: 80
mg/kg
For E 252: indicative ingoing
amount expressed as NaNO3: 80
mg/kg
For E 250: maximum residual
amount expressed as NaNO2: 50
mg/kg
For E 252: maximum residual
amount expressed as NaNO3: 50
mg/kg
E270 lactic acid x x
E290 carbon dioxide x x
E296 malic acid x
E300 ascorbic acid x x meat products2
E301 sodium ascorbate x meat products2 in connection
with nitrates and nitrites
E306* tocopherol-rich x x antioxidant
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Code Name Preparation of foodstuffs of Specific conditions
plant origin animal origin
extract
E322* lecithin x x milk products2
Only when derived from organic
raw material as from 1 January
2019
E325 sodium lactate x milk based and meat products
E330 citric acid x x
E330 citric acid x
E331 sodium citrate x x
E333 calcium citrate x
E334 tartaric acid (L(+)-) x X (Only for
mead)
E335 sodium tartrates x
E336 potassium tartrates x
E392* extracts of
rosemary
x x only when derived from organic
production
E341(i) monocalcium
phosphate
x raising agent for self raising flour
E392* Extracts of
rosemary
X X Only when derived from organic
production
E400 alginic acid x x milk based products2
E401 sodium alginate x x milk based products2
E402 potassium alginate x x milk based products2
E406 agar x x milk based and meat products2
E407 carrageenan x x milk based products2
E410* locust bean gum x x
E412* guar gum x x
E414* arabic gum x x
E415 xanthan gum x x
E418 Gellan gum x x High-acyl form only
E422 glycerol x From plant origin. For plant
extracts and flavourings
E440(i)1* pectin x x milk based products2
E464 hydroxypropyl
methyl cellulose
x x encapsulation material for
capsules
E500 sodium carbonate x x
E501 potassium
carbonates
x
E503 ammonium
carbonates
x
E504 magnesium
carbonates
x
E509 calcium chloride x milk coagulation
E516 calcium sulphate x carrier
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Code Name Preparation of foodstuffs of Specific conditions
plant origin animal origin
E524 sodium hydroxide x surface treatment of
Laugengebäck bakery and
regulation of acidity in organic
flavourings
E551 silicon dioxide x x For herbs and spices in dried
powdered form
Flavourings and propolis
E553b talc x x coating agent for meat products
E901 Beeswax x As a glazing agent for
confectionary only.
Beeswax from organic beekeeping
E903 Carnauba wax x As a glazing agent for
confectionary only.
Only when derived from organic
raw material.
E938 argon x x
E939 helium x x
E941 nitrogen x x
E948 oxygen x x
E968 Erythritol x x Only when derived from organic
production without using ion
exchange technology
1 This additive can only be used if it has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the CB that no technological
alternative, giving eh same guarantees and/or allowing to maintain the specific features of the product is
available. 2 The restriction concerns only animal products 3 "Dulce de leche" or "confiture de lait" refers to a soft luscious brown cream made of sweetened thickened milk.
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SECTION B — PROCESSING AIDS AND OTHER PRODUCTS, WHICH MAY BE USED FOR
PROCESSING OF INGREDIENTS OF AGRICULTURAL ORIGIN FROM ORGANIC PRODUCTION
Name Preparation of foodstuffs of Specific conditions
plant origin animal origin
water x x drinking water within the meaning of
Council Directive 98/83
calcium chloride x coagulation agent
calcium carbonate x
calcium hydroxide x
calcium sulphate x coagulation agent
magnesium chloride
(nigari)
x coagulation agent
potassium carbonate x drying of grapes
sodium carbonate x x
lactic acid x for the regulation of the pH of the brine bath
in cheese production1
citric acid x x
sodium hydroxide x For sugar(s) production.
For oil production excluding olive oil
production
sulphuric acid x x gelatine production1; sugar production2
hydrochloric acid x gelatine production; for the regulation of the
pH of the brine bath in processing of Gouda,
Edam and Maasdammer cheeses;
Boerenkaas, Friese and Leidse Nagelkaas
ammonium
hydroxide
x gelatine production
hydrogen peroxide x gelatine production
carbon dioxide x x
nitrogen x x
ethanol x x solvent
tannic acid x filtration aid
egg white albumen x
casein x
gelatin x
isinglass x
vegetable oils x x greasing, releasing or anti-foaming agent.
Only when derived from organic production
silicon dioxide gel or
colloidal solution
x
activated carbon x
talc x in compliance with the specific purity
criteria for food additive E553b
bentonite x x sticking agent for mead1
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Name Preparation of foodstuffs of Specific conditions
plant origin animal origin
cellulose x x gelatine production1
diatomaceous earth x x gelatine production1
perlite x x gelatine production1
hazelnut shells x
rice meal x
beeswax x releasing agent
Beeswax from organic beekeeping
carnauba wax x releasing agent
Only when derived from organic raw
material
Acetic acid/vinegar x Only when derived from organic production
For fish processing, only from
biotechnological source, except if produced
by or from GMO
Thiamin
hydrochloride
x x Only for use in processing of fruit wines,
including cider and perry and mead
Diammonium
phosphate
x x Only for use in processing of fruit wines,
including cider and perry and mead
Wood fibre x x The source of timber should be restricted to
certified, sustainably harvested wood.
Wood used must not contain toxic
components (post-harvest treatment,
naturally occurring toxins or toxins from
microorganisms)
1 The restriction concerns only animal products 2 The restriction concerns only plant products
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SECTION C — PROCESSING AIDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF YEAST AND YEAST PRODUCTS
Note: Section C authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1254/2008
Name Primary Yeast Yeast confections/
formulations
Specific conditions
Calcium chloride X
Carbon dioxide X X
Citric acid X For the regulation of the pH in yeast
production
Lactic acid X For the regulation of the pH in yeast
production
Nitrogen X X
Oxygen X X
Potato starch X X For filtering
Only when derived from organic
production
Sodium carbonate X X For the regulation of the pH
Vegetable oils X X Greasing, releasing or anti-foaming
agent
Only when derived from organic
production
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Annex VIIIa
Products and substances permitted for use or addition in organic products of the
wine sector referred to in 7.4.4
Note: Type of treatment in accordance with Annex III, point A(2)(b) to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009
Type of treatment Name of products or substances Specific conditions or restrictions
Use for aeration or oxygenation Air
Gaseous oxygen
Centrifuging and filtration Perlite
Cellulose
Diatomaceous earth
Use only as an inert filtering agent
Use in order to create an inert
atmosphere and to handle the
product shielded from the air
Nitrogen
Carbon dioxide
Argon
Use Yeasts20
Use Di-ammonium phosphate
Thiamine hydrochloride
Use Inactivated yeast, autolysates of
yeast and yeast hulls
Use Sulphur dioxide
Potassium bisulphite or potassium
metabisulphite
(a) The maximum sulphur dioxide
content shall not exceed 100
milligrams per litre for red wines
and with a residual sugar level
lower than 2 grams per litre;
(b) The maximum sulphur dioxide
content shall not exceed 150
milligrams per litre for white and
rose’ wines and with a residual
sugar level lower than 2 grams per
litre;
(c) For all other wines, the
maximum sulphur dioxide content
applied in accordance with Annex I
B to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 shall be reduced by 30 milligrams
per litre.
Use Charcoal for oenological use
Clarification Edible gelatine21
Plant proteins from wheat or peas21
Isinglass21
Egg white albumin21
Tannins21
20 For the individual yeast strains: if available, derived from organic raw material.
21 Derived from organic raw material if available.
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Type of treatment Name of products or substances Specific conditions or restrictions
Potato protein21
Yeast protein extracts21
Casein
Chitosan derived from Aspergillus
niger
Potassium caseinate
Silicon dioxide
Bentonite
Pectolytic enzymes
Use for acidification purposes Lactic acid
L(+)Tartaric acid
Use for deacidification purposes L(+)Tartaric acid
Calcium carbonate
Neutral potassium tartrate
Potassium bicarbonate
Addition Aleppo pine resin
Use Lactic bacteria
Addition L-Ascorbic acid
Use for bubbling Nitrogen
Addition Carbon dioxide
Addition for wine stabilization
purposes
Citric acid
Addition Tannins21
Addition Meta-tartaric acid
Use Acacia gum21 (= gum arabic)
Use Potassium bitartrate
Use Cupric citrate
Use Yeast mannoproteins
Use Oak chips
Use Potassium alginate
Type of treatment Calcium sulphate Only for “vino generoso” or “vino
generoso de licor”
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Annex IX
For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply
1. ‘organic production’ means the use of the production method compliant with the rules established
in this Regulation, at all stages of production, preparation and distribution;
2. ‘stages of production, preparation and distribution’ means any stage from and including the
primary production of an organic product up to and including its storage, processing, transport, sale
or supply to the final consumer, and where relevant labelling, advertising, import, export and
subcontracting activities;
3. ‘organic’ means coming from or related to organic production;
(4) ‘operator’ means the natural or legal persons responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this
Regulation are met within the organic business under their control;
(5) ‘plant production’ means production of agricultural crop products including harvesting of wild
plant products for commercial purposes;
(6) ‘production unit” means all assets to be used for a production sector such as production premises,
land parcels, pasturages, open air areas, livestock buildings, fish ponds, containment systems for seaweed
or aquaculture animals, shore or seabed concessions, the premises for the storage of crops, crop products,
seaweed products, animal products, raw materials and any other input relevant for this specific
production sector;
(7) the definition of ‘aquaculture’ is that given in Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 of 27 July 2006 on
the European Fisheries Fund22;
(8) ‘conversion’ means the transition from non-organic to organic farming within a given period of
time, during which the provisions concerning the organic production have been applied;
(9) ‘preparation’ means the operations of preserving and/or processing of organic products, including
slaughter and cutting for livestock products, and also packaging, labelling and/or alterations made to
the labelling concerning the organic production method;
(10) ‘closed recirculation aquaculture facility’ means a facility where aquaculture takes place within an enclosed
environment on land or on a vessel involving the recirculation of water, and depending on permanent external
energy input to stabilise the environment for the aquaculture animals;
(11) ‘energy from renewable sources’ means renewable non-fossil energy sources: wind, solar,
geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases;
(12) ‘hatchery’ means a place of breeding, hatching and rearing through the early life stages of aquaculture
animals, finfish and shellfish in particular;
22 OJ L 223, 15.8.2006, p. 1.
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(13) ‘nursery’ means a place where an intermediate farming system, between the hatchery and grow-out stages
is applied. The nursery stage is completed within the first third of the production cycle with the exception of
species undergoing a smoltification process;
(14) ‘pollution’ in the framework of aquaculture and seaweed production means the direct or indirect
introduction into the aquatic environment of substances or energy as defined in Directive 2008/56/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council23 and in Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council24, in the waters where they respectively apply;
(15) “polyculture” in the framework of aquaculture and seaweed production, means the rearing of two or more
species usually from different trophic levels in the same culture unit;
(16) “production cycle” in the framework of aquaculture and seaweed production, means the lifespan of an
aquaculture animal or seaweed from the earliest life stage to harvesting;
(17) “locally grown species” in the framework of aquaculture and seaweed production, means those which are
neither alien nor locally absent species under Council Regulation (EC) No 708/200725. Those species listed in
Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 may be considered as locally grown species.
(18) “stocking density” in the framework of aquaculture, means the live weight of animals per cubic metre of
water at any time during the grow-out phase and in the case of flatfish and shrimp the weight per square metre
of surface.
(19) the definitions of ‘food’, ‘feed’ and ‘placing on the market’ are those given in Regulation (EC) No
178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general
principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying
down procedures in matters of food safety26;
(20) ‘labelling’ means any terms, words, particulars, trade marks, brand name, pictorial matter or
symbol relating to and placed on any packaging, document, notice, label, board, ring or collar
accompanying or referring to a product;
(21) the definition of ‘pre-packaged foodstuff’ is that given in Article 13.(b) of Directive 2000/13/EC of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 March 2000 on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the labelling, presentation and advertising of foodstuffs27;
(22) ‘advertising’ means any representation to the public, by any means other than a label, that is
intended or is likely to influence and shape attitude, beliefs and behaviours in order to promote
directly or indirectly the sale of organic products;
23 OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19.
24 OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.
25 OJ L 168, 28.6.2007, p. 1.
26 OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 575/2006 (OJ L 100,
8.4.2006, p. 3).
27 OJ L 109, 6.5.2000, p. 29. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2006/142/EC (OJ L 368,
23.12.2006, p. 110).
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(23) ‘competent authority’ means the central authority competent for the organisation of official
controls in the field of organic production in accordance with the provisions set out under this
Regulation, or any other authority on which that competence has been conferred to; it shall also
include, where appropriate, the corresponding authority of a third country;
(24) ‘control authority’ means a public administrative organisation to which the competent authority
has conferred, in whole or in part, its competence for the inspection and certification in the field of
organic production in accordance with the provisions set out under this Regulation; it shall also
include, where appropriate, the corresponding authority of a third country or the corresponding
authority operating in a third country;
(25) ‘control body’ means an independent private third party carrying out inspection and certification
in the field of organic production in accordance with the provisions set out under this Regulation; it
shall also include, where appropriate, the corresponding body of a third country or the corresponding
body operating in a third country;
(26) ‘mark of conformity’ means the assertion of conformity to a particular set of standards or other
normative documents in the form of a mark;
(27) the definition of ‘ingredients’ is that given in Article 6(4) of Directive 2000/13/EC;
(28) the definition of ‘plant protection products’ is that given in Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15
July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market28;
(29) the definition of ‘Genetically modified organism (GMO)’ is that given in Directive 2001/18/EC of
the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the
environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/EEC29and
which is not obtained through the techniques of genetic modifications listed in Annex I.B of that
Directive;
(30) ‘produced from GMOs’ means derived in whole or in part from GMOs but not containing or
consisting of GMOs;
(31) ‘produced by GMOs’ means derived by using a GMO as the last living organism in the
production process, but not containing or consisting of GMOs nor produced from GMOs;
(32) the definition of ‘feed additives’ is that given in Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on additives for use in
animal nutrition30;
28 OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Commission Directive 2007/31/EC (OJ L 140, 1.6.2007, p.
44). 29 OJ L 106, 17.4.2001, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 (OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p.
24). 30 OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 29. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 378/2005 (OJ L 59,
5.3.2005, p. 8)
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(33) ‘equivalent’, in describing different systems or measures, means that they are capable of meeting
the same objectives and principles by applying rules which ensure the same level of assurance of
conformity;
(34) ‘processing aid’ means any substance not consumed as a food ingredient by itself, intentionally
used in the processing of raw materials, foods or their ingredients, to fulfil a certain technological
purpose during treatment or processing and which may result in the unintentional but technically
unavoidable presence of residues of the substance or its derivatives in the final product, provided that
these residues do not present any health risk and do not have any technological effect on the finished
product;
(35) the definition of ‘ionising radiation’ is that given in Council Directive 96/29/Euratom of 13 May
1996 laying down basic safety standards for the protection of the health of workers and the general
public against the dangers arising from ionising radiation31 and as restricted by Article 12. of
Directive 1999/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 February 1999 on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning foods and food ingredients treated with
ionising radiation32.
(36) ‘mass catering operations’ means the preparation of organic products in restaurants, hospitals,
canteens and other similar food business at the point of sale or delivery to the final consumer.
31 OJ L 159, 29.6.1996, p. 1.
32 OJ L 66, 13.3.1999, p. 16. Directive as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).
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Annex X
Specific Organic Aquaculture production rules
(Stocking density for aquaculture animals by species or group of species referred to in 11.12; 11.18;
11.20)
.
SECTION 1
Organic production of salmonids in fresh water: Brown trout (Salmo trutta)—Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
mykiss)—American brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)—Salmon (Salmo salar)—Charr (Salvelinus alpinus)— Grayling
(Thymallus thymallus)—American lake trout (or grey trout) (Salvelinus namaycush)—Huchen (Hucho hucho)
Production system On growing farm systems must be fed from open systems. The flow rate
must ensure a minimum of 60 % oxygen saturation for stock and must ensure
their comfort and the elimination of farming effluent.
Maximum stocking density Salmonid species not listed below 15 kg/m 3
Salmon 20 kg/m 3
Brown trout and Rainbow trout 25 kg/m 3
Arctic charr 25 kg/m 3
SECTION 2 Organic production of salmonids in sea water:
Salmon (Salmo salar), Brown trout (Salmo trutta) — Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Maximum stocking density 10 kg/m 3 in net pens
SECTION 3 Organic production of cod (Gadus morhua) and other Gadidae, sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), sea bream (Sparus
aurata), meagre (Argyrosomus regius), turbot (Psetta maxima [= Scopthalmus maximux]), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus [=
Sparus pagrus]), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) and other Sparidae, and spinefeet (Siganus spp.)
Production system In open water containment systems (net pens/cages) with minimum sea
current speed to provide optimum fish welfare or in open systems on land.
Maximum stocking density For fish other than turbot: 15 kg/m3
For turbot: 25 kg/m2
SECTION 4
Organic production of sea bass, sea bream, meagre, mullets (Liza, Mugil) and eel (Anguilla spp.) in earth ponds of
tidal areas and costal lagoons
Containment system Traditional salt pans transformed into aquaculture production units and
similar earth ponds in tidal areas
Production system There shall be adequate renewal of water to ensure the welfare of the species,
At least 50 % of the dikes must have plant cover
Wetland based depuration ponds required
Maximum stocking density 4 kg/m3
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SECTION 5
Organic production of Sturgeon in fresh water:
Species concerned: Acipenser family
Production system Water flow in each rearing unit shall be sufficient to ensure animal welfare
Effluent water to be of equivalent quality to incoming water
Maximum stocking density 30 kg/m 3
SECTION 6 Organic production of fish in inland waters:
Species concerned: Carp family (Cyprinidae) and other associated species in the context of polyculture, including
perch, pike, catfish, coregonids, sturgeon.
Production system In fishponds which shall periodically be fully drained and in lakes. Lakes
must be devoted exclusively to organic production, including the growing of
crops on dry areas.
The fishery capture area must be equipped with a clean water inlet and of a
size to provide optimal comfort for the fish. The fish must be stored in clean
water after harvest.
Organic and mineral fertilisation of the ponds and lakes shall be carried out
in compliance with Annex I with a maximum application of 20 kg
Nitrogen/ha.
Treatments involving synthetic chemicals for the control of hydrophytes and
plant coverage present in production waters are prohibited.
Areas of natural vegetation shall be maintained around inland water units as
a buffer zone for external land areas not involved in the farming operation in
accordance with the rules of organic aquaculture.
For grow-out “polyculture” shall be used on condition that the criteria laid
down in the present specifications for the other species of lakes fish are duly
adhered to.
Farming yield The total production of species is limited to 1 500 kg of fish per hectare per
year.
SECTION 7
Organic production of penaeid shrimps and freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.):
Establishment of production
unit/s
Location to be in sterile clay areas to minimise environmental impact of pond
construction. Ponds to be built with the natural pre-existing clay. Mangrove
destruction is not permitted.
Conversion time Six months per pond, corresponding to the normal lifespan of a farmed
shrimp.
Broodstock origin A minimum of half the broodstock shall be domesticated after three years
operating. The remainder is to be pathogen free wild broodstock originating
from sustainable fisheries. A compulsory screening to be implemented on the
first and second generation prior to introducing to the farm.
Eyestalk ablation Is prohibited.
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Maximum on farm stocking
densities and production
limits
Seeding: maximum 22 post larvae/m 2
Maximum instantaneous biomass: 240 g/m 2
SECTION 7a Organic production of crayfish;
Species concerned: Astacus astacus, Pacifastacus leniusculus
Maximum stocking density For small-sized crayfish (<20mm): 100 individuals per m2. For crayfish of
intermediate size (20-50mm): 30 individuals per m2. For adult crayfish (>50
mm): 10 individuals per m2, provided that adequate hiding places are
available.
SECTION 8
Molluscs and echinoderms:
Production systems Long-lines, rafts, bottom culture, net bags, cages, trays, lantern nets, bouchot
poles and other containment systems. For mussel cultivation on rafts the
number of drop-ropes shall not exceed one per square meter of surface area.
The maximum drop-rope length shall not exceed 20 metres. Thinning-out of
drop-ropes shall not take place during the production cycle, however sub-
division of drop ropes shall be permitted without increasing stocking density
at the outset.
SECTION 9
Tropical fresh water fish: milkfish (Chanos chanos), tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), siamese catfish (Pangasius spp.):
Production systems Ponds and net cages
Maximum stocking density Pangasius: 10 kg/m 3 Oreochromis: 20 kg/m 3
SECTION 10
Other aquaculture animal species: none
ends